Psalms – Chapter 2

Old Testament13 Verses

1Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things?

2The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.

3Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.

4He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.

5Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.

6But I am appointed king by him over Sion, his holy mountain, preaching his commandment.

7The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

8Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

11Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.

12Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.

13When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Psalms Chapter 2 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The passage calls believers to grasp that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1362) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles