1 Why do all the nations rage
and their rulers join as one,
vainly to defy the Lord,
his anointed to disown?
'Let us break their chains,' they say,
'hurl their fetters far away.'
2 God derides their futile schemes
watching from his throne on high,
then rebukes them in his wrath,
terrifies them in reply:
'See my king now, by my will,
crowned on Zion's holy hill.'
3 Hear the Lord: 'You are my Son,
I've begotten you this day;
ask, and nations near and far
I will put beneath your sway,
by your iron sceptre hushed,
like a potter's vessel crushed.'
4 Earthly rulers, then, be wise:
serve the Lord with joy and fear,
pay your homage to his Son,
lest his anger cost you dear;
swiftly will he punish pride:
happy all who in him hide.
David G Preston (born 1939) from Psalm 2
© David Preston/Jubilate Hymns Ltd
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