2 Why do nations make plans,[ref]

and people groups devise empty schemes?

2 The kings of this world take their stand

and the rulers collaborate against Yahweh and his chosen one,

3 saying, “Let’s break their chains off us.

≈Let’s throw off their ropes.”

4 The one who sits in the heavens laughs.

≈The master ridicules them.

5 Then he’ll speak to them in his anger,

≈and terrify them in his fury.

6 Yahweh says, “I myself have placed my king on Tsion (Zion)—

the hill I’ve chosen to be my holy place.”

7 I’ll explain Yahweh’s decree.[ref]

He told me, “You’re my son. Today I’ve become your father.

8 Ask me and I’ll give the nations to you for your inheritance.

≈The whole world will be owned by you.

9 You’ll break those nations with an iron bar.[ref]

≈You’ll smash them to pieces like a clay pot.”

10 So act wisely all you kings.

≈Be warned all you rulers of the earth.

11 Serve Yahweh with fear.

Be happy for his goodness but tremble because of his power.

12 Honour the son or he might get angry

and you’ll perish on the way.

His severe anger can ignite any moment.

Everyone who goes to him to be safe will reap the benefits.