1Why do the nations protest

and the peoples conspire in vain?a

2Kings on earth rise up

and princes plot together

against the Lord and against his anointed one:*b

3“Let us break their shackles

and cast off their chains from us!”c

4The one enthroned in heaven laughs;

the Lord derides them,d

5Then he speaks to them in his anger,

in his wrath he terrifies them:

6“I myself have installed my king

on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7I will proclaim the decree of the Lord,

he said to me, “You are my son;

today I have begotten you.e

8Ask it of me,

and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,

and, as your possession, the ends of the earth.

9With an iron rod you will shepherd them,

like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”f

10And now, kings, give heed;

take warning, judges on earth.

11Serve the Lord with fear;

exult with trembling,

Accept correction

lest he become angry and you perish along the way

when his anger suddenly blazes up.g

Blessed are all who take refuge in him!