Why do the nations move and rage

Verse 1

Why do the nations move and rage, And people form a vain design?

Verse 2

Kings of the earth do set themselves And princes in deep plots combine, With one consent against the Lord, And his Messiah, and dare say,

Verse 3

"Let us asunder break their bands, And cast their cords of rule away?"

Verse 4

But He who sits in heaven will laugh, The Lord at first will them deride;

Verse 5

In anger then to them He'll speak, In wrath to vex them in their pride;

Verse 6

"See I have set my king upon Zion my mount of sanctity,

Verse 7

And the immutable decree Proclaim abroad to all will I."

Verse 8

The Lord to me said, "Thou my Son, This day have I begotten thee; Ask, and the nations I will give For thine inheritance to be:

Verse 9

And of the earth Thou shalt possess The utmost coasts and lands abroad; The foes shalt break as potters ware, And crush as with an iron rod."

Verse 10

Now therefore, O ye kings, be wise; Be learned, ye who earth's judges are;

Verse 11

Serve ye the Lord with reverence; Rejoice, but yet with trembling fear:

Verse 12

Kiss he the Son, lest He be wroth, And ye should perish in your way; When once his wrath a little burns, Blessed are all that on him stay.