Old Testament
Psalms 137
Overview
A raw and sorrowful lament from the Babylonian exile. By the rivers of Babylon the captives weep, hang up their harps, and refuse to sing the LORD's song for their captors' amusement, vowing never to forget Jerusalem. The psalm ends with shocking imprecations against Babylon and Edom, crying out for God's justice on those who destroyed the holy city.
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying , Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?
5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning .
6If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it , rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be , that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9Happy shall he be , that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.