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;
    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.

Vs 1-3: The rulers of this earth may stand opposed to God’s true rule.

Vs 4-6: The power of earthly rulers is nothing compared to the might and majesty of the one True God. It is he who will install his King.

Vs 7-9: God’s King is his son – and we know God’s son is the Lord Jesus. Because of what Jesus endured in becoming human, living a sinless life, dying and rising again, God has made the whole earth his. (Philippians 2:5-11).

Vs 10-12: The right response to God’s son is to serve him, celebrate him, pledge your complete allegiance to him. There are dire consequences for those who don’t.

Vs 12: But there is great hope, too – a promise that there is refuge to be found in God’s son.

What will you do today as a result of this Psalm?

What will you pray as a result of this Psalm?