Translations of Psalm 2

So after comparing the version of psalm two in the Alter translation with the one given to us in class, there are some key differences I identified. The main one was that in the Earlier translation in the 8th stanza it reads: "and of the earth thou shalt possess the utmost coasts abroad." I think what this meant to early Americans is quite clear. In the newer edition the line reads: "Ask of me, and I shall give nations as your estate, and your holdings, the end of the earth." The earlier edition makes the inheritance of land a given, the latter, more of a blessing. This would fit with early American worldview that America was meant for them to take. Since religion often fits with culture and society, it's probably more than a coincidence that the translation was different than the one we read for class.

Another difference between the texts was in the first line. In our current edition it reads: "Why are the nations aroused" The second version is much angrier in comparision. " Why rage the Heathen Furiously?" This different, more bold and mean version could also fit in with society in early america. Not only was Puritanism popular in America, being a religious haven, an angry foe (such as the british?) could help the Americans with their independance cause.

So those are some differences in the text I found. There are definitely more, but I found these to be the most interesting.