1Why do the nations gather together? Why do their people devise useless plots?

2Kings take their stands. Rulers make plans together against the LORD and against his Messiah by saying,

3"Let's break apart their chains and shake off their ropes."

4The one enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord makes fun of them.

5Then he speaks to them in his anger. In his burning anger he terrifies them by saying,

6"I have installed my own king on Zion, my holy mountain."

7I will announce the LORD's decree. He said to me: "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.

8Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and the ends of the earth as your own possession.

9You will break them with an iron scepter. You will smash them to pieces like pottery."

10Now, you kings, act wisely. Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss the Son, or he will become angry and you will die on your way because his anger will burst into flames. Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him.