Psalm 2

The Triumphant Messiah

(Acts 4:23–31)

¹ Why do the nations rage 1 and the peoples plot in vain?

² The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:2

³ “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.

Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:

“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”

I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.3

Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.

You will break them 4 with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.5

¹⁰ Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.

¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

¹² Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.


  1. 2:1 Or noisily assemble; see Revelation 11:18. ↩︎

  2. 2:2 Cited in Acts 4:25–26 ↩︎

  3. 2:7 Literally today I have begotten You; cited in Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, and Hebrews 5:5 ↩︎

  4. 2:9 LXX You will rule them or You will shepherd them ↩︎

  5. 2:9 Cited in Revelation 2:27; see also Revelation 12:5 and Revelation 19:15. ↩︎