The Lord’s Chosen King
1 Ac 4.25,26. Why do the nations plot,2.1 Why … plot: Or "Why are the nations restless?"
and why do their people
make useless plans?2.1 make useless plans: Or "grumble uselessly."
2 The kings of this earth
have all joined together
to turn against the Lord
and his chosen king.
3 They say, "Let’s cut the ropes
and set ourselves free!"
4 In heaven the Lord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
making fun of the nations.
5 The Lord becomes furious
and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them
as he says,
6 "I’ve put my king on Zion,
my sacred hill."
7 Ac 13.33;He 1.5;5.5. I will tell the promise
that the Lord made to me:
"You are my son, because today
I have become your father.
8 Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
will belong to you.
9 Rev 2.26-28;12.5;19.15. You will smash them
with an iron rod
and shatter them
like dishes of clay."
10 Be smart, all you rulers,
and pay close attention.
11 Serve and honor the Lord;
be glad and tremble.
12 Show respect to his son
because if you don’t,
the Lord might become furious
and suddenly destroy you.2.11,12 Serve … you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.
But he blesses and protects
everyone who runs to him.