Wherefore Do the Nations Rage

Verse 1

Wherefore do the nations rage and the people vainly dream that in triumph they can wage war against the King supreme? Christ His Son a scoff they make, and the rulers plotting, say: "Their dominion let us break, let us cast their yoke away."

Verse 2

But the Lord will scorn them all, calm He sits enthroned on high; soon His wrath will on them fall, sore displeased He will reply: "Yet according to My will I have set My King to reign, and on Zion's holy hill My Anointed I maintain."

Verse 3

This His word shall be made known, This Jehovah's firm decree: Thou art My beloved Son, yea I have begotten Thee. All the earth at Thy request I will give Thee for Thy own; then Thy might shall be confessed and Thy foes be overthrown."

Verse 4

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear; hearken, judges of the earth; learn to serve the Lord with fear, mingle trembling with your mirth. Kiss the Son, lest o'er our way His consuming wrath should break; but supremely blest are they Who in Christ their refuge take.