Psalm 2:1–3:8

¹Why are the nations in tumultuous agitation, and why do the peoples meditate a vain thing? ²The kings of the earth set themselves, and the princes plot together, against Jehovah and against his anointed: ³Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us! ⁴He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision. ⁵Then will he speak to them in his anger, and in his fierce displeasure will he terrify them: ⁶And I have anointed my king upon Zion, the hill of my holiness.

⁷I will declare the decree: Jehovah hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; I this day have begotten thee. ⁸Ask of me, and I will give thee nations for an inheritance, and for thy possession the ends of the earth: ⁹Thou shalt break them with a sceptre of iron, as a potter’s vessel thou shalt dash them in pieces.

¹⁰And now, O kings, be ye wise, be admonished, ye judges of the earth. ¹¹Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling. ¹²Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, though his anger burn but a little. Blessed are all who have their trust in him.

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

Jehovah, how many are they that trouble me, many they that rise up against me! Many say of my soul, There is no salvation for him in God. Selah. But thou, Jehovah, art a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

⁴With my voice will I call to Jehovah, and he will answer me from the hill of his holiness. Selah. ⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked, for Jehovah sustaineth me. ⁶I will not fear for myriads of the people that have set themselves against me round about. ⁷Arise, Jehovah; save me, my God! For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone, thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. ⁸Salvation is of Jehovah; thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.