A matter of quotation

When looking at both versions of Psalm 2 (Alter's version and the version from the Bay Psalm Book) many subtle differences can be found, but do little to change the meaning. On the other hand, I believe, one big difference effects the entire meaning of the psalm. The difference I am referring to is the presence of quotation marks in Alter's version and the lack of quotations in the Bay Psalm version. This particularly effects the meaning of the third verse. In Alter's version, it would seem that the quotes imply that the narrater is referring to what was said by the "nations" and "people" of verse one. However, the lack of quotations in the Bay Psalm version would makes it seem that the verse three is the voice of the narrator himself. 

When viewed through the lens of an early American time period, this lack of quotations in the Bay Psalm Book allows for a very bold and different reading/context for Psalm 2. When this book was published (1640), there was a great deal of religious tension, especially between pilgrims and England (which became the reason why many fled to the new world). In this context it makes sense that the narrator would proclaim: "Let us asunder break their bands, their cords bee from us throwne"--he/she could easily be referring to those in England responsible for their religious persecution. This statement, when perceived as the narrator's voice, would also parallel the reaction of the Lord, as conveyed by the narrator: "Who sits in heav'n shall laugh; the lord will mock them; then will he speak to them in his ire, and wrath: and vex them suddenlie" as well as "Thou shalt them break as Potters sherds and crush with yron rod". 

Link: The Bay Psalm Book online