Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God], And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?
The kings of the earth take their stand; And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and His Anointed (the Davidic King, the Messiah, the Christ), saying,
"Let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint] And cast away their cords [of control] from us."
He who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs [at their rebellion]; The [Sovereign] Lord scoffs at them [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].
Then He will speak to them in His [profound] anger And terrify them with His displeasure, saying,
"Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain."
"I will declare the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son; This day [I proclaim] I have begotten You.
'Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.
'You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall shatter them [in pieces] like earthenware.'"
Now therefore, O kings, act wisely; Be instructed and take warning, O leaders (judges, rulers) of the earth.
Worship the LORD and serve Him with reverence [with awe-inspired fear and submissive wonder]; Rejoice [yet do so] with trembling.
Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him!