Psalm 2, Be Wise

Psalm 2

1 

Why do the nations conspire

    and the peoples plot in vain?

2 

The kings of the earth rise up

    and the rulers band together

    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

3 

“Let us break their chains

    and throw off their shackles.”

4 

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;

    the Lord scoffs at them.

5 

He rebukes them in his anger

    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6 

“I have installed my king

    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;

    today I have become your father.

8 

Ask me,

    and I will make the nations your inheritance,

    the ends of the earth your possession.

9 

You will break them with a rod of iron[b];

    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 

Therefore, you kings, be wise;

    be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11 

Serve the Lord with fear

    and celebrate his rule with trembling.

12 

Kiss his son, or he will be angry

    and your way will lead to your destruction,

for his wrath can flare up in a moment.

    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

 

 

Father God, help me to understand you better. You have great wrath against evil, and against those who mistreat other people. Frightening wrath. And yet, the end of the passage says, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” This is how you want us to relate to you, Father.