Psalm 2
New International Version
Chapter overview
Psalm 2 portrays nations resisting divine rule while God's anointed king stands secure on Zion. Earthly power is warned toward wisdom, humble service, and refuge rather than futile defiance before divine authority.
KingshipZionNationsRefuge
1Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
8Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
9You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
10Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
New International Version — Licensed through API.Bible, non-commercial use only, no derivatives. Where these translations come from.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Text unchanged, provided through API.Bible.