1Why are the nations plotting rebellion? ¹The peoples devise schemes, but they're pointless.

2The kings of the world prepare to attack, ²and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his anointed one, ³saying,

3“Let's break the chains and throw away the cords that bind us.”

4But the one who sits enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.

5He will thunder at them, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6“It is I who placed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7“I will proclaim the Lord's decree,” says the king. “He told me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your father. ⁴

8Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your possessions—the whole earth will belong to you.

9You will break them with a rod of iron, smashing them like pottery.’”

10So then you kings, be wise! ⁵Be warned, you rulers of the world!

11Serve the Lord in reverence, celebrate with trembling!

12Submit to his son ⁶so that he will not become angry and you die suddenly. His anger ⁷flares up quickly, but how happy are all those who go to him for protection.