Psalms 2 KJV

Summary: A royal enthronement psalm, Psalm 2 pictures the nations and their kings conspiring in vain against "the LORD and his Anointed" (v. 2), only to be met with divine laughter and a decree installing God's king on Zion. The LORD declares to this king, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you" (v. 7), language later read by Jewish and Christian tradition as pointing beyond any single Davidic ruler to a messianic hope. The psalm closes with a warning to earth's rulers to submit and "kiss the Son" (v. 12) lest they perish, and a blessing on those who take refuge in him.

1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

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