Why are the nations in uproar, and the people mutter a vain thing?

Why did nations rumble [and gather against David (viz. II Samuel 5:17)] and peoples plot vanity?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

[Why did] kings of the land and princes take counsel together against the L rd and against His anointed one, [saying]:

Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

"Let us break their bonds and cast off our thongs!"

He who sits in the heavens laughs: the Lord has them in derision.

The Dweller in heaven laughs; the L rd mocks them.

Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his burning anger.

Then He speaks to them in His wrath, and in His fury He confounds them:

But I have set my king upon Żiyyon, my holy hill.

"But I have anointed [David] My king [to reign] over Zion, My holy mount!"

I will tell of the decree: the Lord has said to me, Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee.

I [David] shall speak as ordained: The L rd has said of me [through Nathan, Gad, and Samuel]: "You are My son" [(the chief of Israel, who are called "My first-born son," viz. [Exodus 4:22]: "My first-born son is Israel," and they will endure through you, viz. II Samuel 3:18)]; "I, this day [(that I have enthroned you over them)] have begotten you" [(to be called My son for their sake, viz. I Chronicles 14:2, II Samuel 7:14, Psalms 89:27)].

Ask of me, and I shall give thee nations for thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

"Ask of Me [i.e., Pray to Me whenever you go to meet the foe], and I shall make nations your inheritance, and the ends of the earth your holding.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

You will break them with a rod of iron [the sword]; as a potter's vessel will you shatter them."

Be wise now therefore, O kings: be warned, O judges of the earth.

So now, O kings, be wise; be chastened, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve the L rd in fear, and you will rejoice, [in thus having served Him,] in quaking [i.e., when quaking overtakes those who have rebelled against Him (viz. Isaiah 33:14)].

Worship in purity, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, for in a little while his anger will blaze. Blessed are all who put their trust in him.

Gird yourselves in purity [of heart] lest He grow wroth and you lose the way [viz. 1:6]. For in a moment His wrath will flare [against the wicked, and, in that moment, there will be made manifest] the praises of all who trust in Him [viz. 1:1].