1 Why do the nations plan rebellion?

Why do people make their useless plots?

2 Their kings revolt,

their rulers plot together against the Lord

and against the king he chose.

3 “Let us free ourselves from their rule,” they say;

“let us throw off their control.”

4 From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs

and mocks their feeble plans.

5 Then he warns them in anger

and terrifies them with his fury.

6 “On Zion, my sacred hill,” he says,

“I have installed my king.”

7 “I will announce,” says the king, “what the Lord has declared.

He said to me: ‘You are my son;

today I have become your father.

8 Ask, and I will give you all the nations;

the whole earth will be yours.

9 You will break them with an iron rod;

you will shatter them in pieces like a clay pot.’”

10 Now listen to this warning, you kings;

learn this lesson, you rulers of the world:

11 Serve the Lord with fear;

tremble 12 and bow down to him;

or else his anger will be quickly aroused,

and you will suddenly die.

Happy are all who go to him for protection.