The Lord's Chosen King
1 Why do the nations plot,
and why do their people
make useless plans?
2 The kings of this earth
have all joined together
to turn against the Lord
and his chosen king.
3 They say, “Let's cut the ropes
and set ourselves free!”
4 In heaven the Lord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
making fun of the nations.
5 The Lord 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 the Lord made to me:
“You are my son, because today
I have become your father.
8 Ask 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.”
10 Be smart, all you rulers,
and pay close attention.
11 Serve and honor the Lord;
be glad and tremble.
12 Show respect to his son
because if you don't,
the Lord might become furious
and suddenly destroy you.
But he blesses and protects
everyone who runs to him.
God's Chosen King
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.