TheLord's Chosen King
1 Why do the nations plot,+
and why do their people
make useless plans?+
2The kings of this earth
have all joined together
to turn against theLord
and his chosen king.
3They say, “Let's cut the ropes
and set ourselves free!”
4In heaven theLord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
making fun of the nations.
5TheLord becomes furious
and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them
as he says,
6“I've put my king on Zion,
my sacred hill.”
7 I will tell the promise
that theLord made to me:
“You are my son, because today
I have become your father.
8Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
will belong to you.
9 You will smash them
with an iron rod
and shatter them
like dishes of clay.”
10Be smart, all you rulers,
and pay close attention.
11Serve and honor theLord;
be glad and tremble.
12Show respect to his son
because if you don't,
theLord might become furious
and suddenly destroy you.+
But he blesses and protects
everyone who runs to him.
Footnotes:
2.1Why … plot:Or “Why are the nations restless?”
2.1make useless plans:Or “grumble uselessly.”
2.11,12Serve … you:One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.
