Scottish Psalter 1564 Psalm 2

Psalm 2

Words: Thomas Sternhold, as in The Scottish Psalter 1564 (aka The Scottish Psalter of 1635)

''The Prophet David rejoiceth, that notwithstanding his enemies rage, and worldly power: yet GOD will continue his kingdom for ever, and advance it, even unto the uttermost parts of the world. And therefore he exhorteth Kings and Rulers, that setting vain glory apart, they would humbly submit themselves under Gold's yoke, for it is in vain to resist. Herein is figured Christ and His kingdom. ***''


 * 1 Why did the Gentiles tumults raise?
 * What rage was in their brain?
 * Why do the people still contrive
 * a thing that is but vain?
 * 2 The kings and rulers of the earth
 * conspire and are all bent
 * Against the Lord, and Christ his Son,
 * whom he among us sent.


 * 3 Shall we be bound to them? Say they,
 * let all their bonds be broke;
 * And of their doctrine and their law
 * let us reject the yoke.
 * 4 But he that in the heav'n doth dwell,
 * their doings will deride;
 * And make them all as mocking-stocks
 * throughout the world do wide.


 * 5 For in his wrath he shall reprove
 * their pride and scornful way,
 * And in his fury trouble them,
 * and unto them shall say,
 * 6 I have anointed him my King
 * upon my holy hill;
 * I will therefore, Lord, preach thy law
 * according to thy will:


 * 7 The law whereof the Lord himself
 * hath thus said unto me,
 * Thou art my only Son, this day
 * have I begotten thee.
 * 8 The people I will give to thee,
 * as heirs at thy request
 * The ends and coasts of all the earth
 * by thee shall be possessed.


 * 9 Thou shalt them bruise e'en like to those
 * that under foot are trod,
 * And as a potter's vessel break
 * them with an iron rod.
 * 10 Now ye, O kings and rulers all,
 * be wise therefore and learned,
 * By who the matters of the world
 * are judged and discerned.


 * 11 See that ye serve the Lord above
 * in trembling and in fear;
 * See that with rev'rence ye rejoice
 * when ye to him draw near:
 * 12 See that ye do embrace and kiss
 * his Son without delay;
 * Lest in his wrath ye suddenly
 * Perish from the right way.


 * 13 If once his wrath (but little) shall
 * be kindled in his breast,
 * Then only they that trust in him
 * shall happy be and blesed.

*** Commentary from the 1635 Psalter.