Why do the heathen furious rage

1 Why do the heathen furious rage,
And in such tumults join?
Why do the people madly storm,
And such vain schemes design?
2 The Gentile kings unite their strength,
And Israel's priests contrive;
Against the Lord they bend their force,
Against his Christ they strive.

3 "Come say they, let us break their bands
Shall we them homage pay;
We'll ne'er submit to their hard yoke,
We'll cast their cords away."
4 But he that sits in Heaven, beholds,
With a disdainful smile;
The Lord, their feeble strength derides,
Their malice, and their guile.

5 Then, in his wrath, he'll speak aloud.
And thunder in their ears;
While hovering vengeance fills their souls,
With dreadful vexing fears.
6 "Know, mine anointed King, I've fix'd
On Zion's sacred plot;
7 " 'Tis my decree; thou art my Son,
This day I Thee begot.

8 "Ask me, I'll give the heathen tribes
For thine inheritance;
Through utmost bounds of earth, thy sway
Shall gloriously advance.
9 "Thou shalt them crush, who dare rebel,
As with an iron rod;
Them, as a potter's vessel, dashed,
In pieces spread abroad."

10 Be wise, now, O ye kings, and hear.
Earth's judges, his mild voice:
11 Serve ye the Lord with fear, before
Him tremble, and rejoice.
12 Kiss ye the Son, lest flaming wrath
You in your way surprise;
His wrath's but kindling yet: they're blest
Whose trust on him relies.

A New Version of the Psalms of David, 1752