II - Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the nations so furiously rage together? *
And why do the peoples devise a vain thing?

The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together, *
against the Lord and against his Anointed:

“Let us break their bonds asunder *
and cast away their cords from us.”

He who dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; *
the Lord shall hold them in derision.

Then shall he speak to them in his wrath *
and terrify them in his great anger:

“I myself have set my King *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”

I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; *
he said to me, “You are my Son; this day have I
begotten you.

Ask of me, and I shall give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.

You shall bruise them with a rod of iron *
and break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Be wise now, O you kings; *
be warned, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord in fear, *
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way;

for his wrath is quickly kindled. *
Blessed are all those who put their trust in him.
