Why do the nations protest and the peoples grumble in vain?

Kings on earth rise up and princes plot together against the Lord and his anointed:

"Let us break their shackles and cast off their chains!"

The one enthroned in heaven laughs;
   the Lord derides them,

Then speaks to them in anger, terrifies them in wrath:

"I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."

I will proclaim the decree of the Lord, who said to me, "You are my son;
   today I am your father.

Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth.

With an iron rod you shall shepherd them, like a clay pot you will shatter them."

And now, kings, give heed;
   take warning, rulers on earth.

Serve the Lord with fear;
   with trembling bow down in homage,

Lest God be angry and you perish from the way in a sudden blaze of anger.

Happy are all who take refuge in God!

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