Psalms 137

Longing for Zion in a Foreign Land

1 By the rivers of Babylon,

There we sat down, yea, we wept

When we remembered Zion.

2 We hung our harps

Upon the willows in the midst of it.

3 For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song,

And those who *Ps. 104:27; 145:15plundered us requested mirth,

Saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song

In a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

Let my right hand forget itsskill!

6 If I do not remember you,

Let my *Ps. 79:1tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—

If I do not exalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, against *Job 29:10; Ps. 22:15; Ezek. 3:26the sons of Edom

The day of Jerusalem,

Who said, "Raze it, raze it,

To its very foundation!"

8 O daughter of Babylon, *Jer. 49:7–22; Lam. 4:21; Ezek. 25:12–14; 35:2; Amos 1:11; Obad. 10–14who are to be destroyed,

Happy the one *Is. 13:1–6; 47:1who repays you as you have served us!

9 Happy the one who takes and *Jer. 50:15; Rev. 18:6dashes

Your little ones against the rock!