Psalm 2:1–3:8

¹Why do the nations plan evil together?

Why do they make useless plans?

²The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord.

The rulers of the earth gather together against his anointed king.

³“Let us break free from their chains,” they say.

“Let us throw off their ropes.”

⁴The One who sits on his throne in heaven laughs.

The Lord makes fun of those rulers and their plans.

⁵When he is angry, he warns them.

When his anger blazes out, he terrifies them.

⁶He says to them,

“I have placed my king on my holy mountain of Zion.”

⁷I will announce what the Lord has promised.

He said to me, “You are my son.

Today I have become your father.

⁸Ask me, and I will give the nations to you.

All nations on earth will belong to you.

⁹You will rule them with an iron rod.

You will break them to pieces like clay pots.”

¹⁰Kings, be wise!

Rulers of the earth, be warned!

¹¹Serve the Lord and have respect for him.

Serve him with joy and trembling.

¹²Obey the son completely, or he will be angry.

Your way of life will lead to your death.

His anger can blaze out at any moment.

Blessed are all those who go to him for safety.

Psalm 3

A psalm of David when he ran away from his son Absalom.

¹Lord, I have so many enemies!

So many people are rising up against me!

²Many are saying about me,

“God will not save him.” Selah

³Lord, you are like a shield that keeps me safe.

You honor me. You help me win the battle.

⁴I call out to the Lord.

He answers me from his holy hill. Selah

⁵I lie down and sleep.

I wake up again, because the Lord takes care of me.

⁶I won’t be afraid of the tens of thousands

who are lined up against me on every side.

⁷Lord, rise up!

My God, save me!

Strike all my enemies in the face.

Break the teeth of sinful people.

⁸Lord, you are the one who saves.

May your blessing be on your people. Selah