Psalm 137

Psalm 137

1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept
as we thought of Jerusalem.t2 We put away our harps,
hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.3 For our captors demanded a song from us.
Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn:
“Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”4 But how can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a pagan land?5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget how to play the harp.6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.7 O LORD, remember what the Edomites did
on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem.
“Destroy it!” they yelled.
“Level it to the ground!”8 O Babylon, you will be destroyed.
Happy is the one who pays you back
for what you have done to us.9 Happy is the one who takes your babies
and smashes them against the rocks!

PSALMS 137

A Prayer for Revenge

1 Beside the rivers of Babylon
we thought about Jerusalem,
and we sat down and cried.

2 We hung our small harps
on the willowt trees.

3 Our enemies had brought us here
as their prisoners;
now they wanted us to sing
and entertain them.
They insulted us and shouted,
“Sing about Zion!”

4 Here in a foreign land,
how can we sing
about the [Lord]?

5 Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand go limp.

6 Let my tongue stick
to the roof of my mouth,
if I don't think about you
above all else.

7 Our [Lord], punish the Edomites!
On the day Jerusalem fell,
they shouted,
“Completely destroy the city!
Tear down every building!”

8  t Babylon, you are doomed!
I pray the Lord's blessings
on anyone who punishes you
for what you did to us.

9 May the Lord bless everyone
who beats your children
against the rocks!