¹Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? ²The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king. ³They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us. Let’s free ourselves from their ropes.” ⁴The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them.⁵Then he angrily speaks to them and terrifies them in his rage, saying,⁶“I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill.” ⁷The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son. This very day I have become your father. ⁸Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property. ⁹You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar.’” ¹⁰So now, you kings, do what is wise; you rulers of the earth, submit to correction. ¹¹Serve the Lord in fear. Repent in terror. ¹²Give sincere homage. Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!