Psalm 2. Quare fremuerunt gentes?

1. Why are the nations in an uproar? *
   Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2. Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, *
   against the Lord and against his Anointed?
3. "Let us break their yoke," they say; *
   let us cast off their bonds from us.
4. He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
   the Lord has them in derision.
5. Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
   and his rage fills them with terror.
6. "I myself have set my king *
   upon my holy hill of Zion."
7. Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *
   he said to me, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
   and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9. You shall crush them with an iron rod *
   and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10. And now, you kings, be wise; *
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11. Submit to the Lord with fear, *
    and with trembling bow before him;
12. Lest he be angry and you perish; *
    for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13. Happy are they all *
    who take refuge in him!