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. ^note

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, ^note 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. ^note

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.’” ^note

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; ^note
or else his anger will be quickly aroused,
  and you will suddenly die.
Happy are all who go to him for protection.

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