Psalm 2

Easy-to-Read Version

2 Why are the nations so angry?
    Why are the people making such foolish plans?
² Their kings and leaders join together
    to fight against the Lord and his chosen king.^[a]
3 They say, “Let’s rebel against them.
    Let’s break free from them!”

⁴ But the one who rules in heaven laughs at them.
    The Lord makes fun of them.
⁵ He speaks to them in anger,
    and it fills them with fear.
⁶ He says, “I have chosen this man to be king,
    and he will rule on Zion, my holy mountain.”

⁷ Let me tell you about the Lord’s agreement:
He said to me, “Today I have become your father,^[b]
    and you are my son.
⁸ If you ask, I will give you the nations.
    Everyone on earth will be yours.
⁹ You will rule over them with great power.
    You will scatter your enemies like broken pieces of pottery!”

¹⁰ So, kings and rulers, be smart
    and learn this lesson.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear and trembling.
¹² Show that you are loyal to his son,^[c]
    or the Lord will be angry and destroy you.
He is almost angry enough to do that now,
    but those who go to him for protection will be blessed.