Psalm 137

An Experience of the Captivity.

1 By the rivers of Babylon,

There we sat down and wept,

When we remembered Zion.

2 Upon the *137:2 Or poplarswillows in the midst of it

We hung our *137:2 Lit lyresharps.

3 For there our captors *137:3 Lit askeddemanded of us *137:3 Lit words of songsongs,

And our tormentors, jubilation, saying,

"Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How can we sing the Lord’s song

In a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,

May my right hand *137:5 I.e., become uselessforget its skill.

6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth

If I do not remember you,

If I do not *137:6 Lit cause to ascendexalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.

7 Remember, Lord, against the sons of Edom

The day of Jerusalem,

Those who said, "Lay it bare, lay it bare

To its foundation!"

8 Daughter of Babylon, you *137:8 Or devastatordevastated one,

Blessed will be one who repays you

With *137:8 Lit your requitalthe retribution with which you have repaid us.

9 Blessed will be one who seizes and dashes your children

Against the rock.