Old Testament
Psalms 137
Grief, Oath, and Imprecation in Babylon
Overview
Beside the rivers of Babylon, the exiled Israelites sit in mournful silence, vow by solemn oath never to forget Jerusalem, and close with fierce prayers entrusting vengeance against Edom and Babylon to God alone.
Passages
Study Resources
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Psalms 137
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.
3For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4How can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?
5If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
6Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”
8Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us.
9Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.