The nations rage against the LORD and his anointed, but God laughs and installs his king on Zion, calling him his Son. The psalm closes with a warning to the rulers to serve the LORD, and blessing for all who take refuge in him.
1 Why do the heathen rage , and the people imagine a vain thing ?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together , against the LORD , and against his anointed , saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder , and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh : the Lord shall have them in derision .
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath , and vex them in his sore displeasure .
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion .
7 I will declare the decree : the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son ; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance , and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession .
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron ; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel .
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings : be instructed , ye judges of the earth .
11 Serve the LORD with fear , and rejoice with trembling .
12 Kiss the Son , lest he be angry , and ye perish from the way , when his wrath is kindled but a little . Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.