1 PSALM 137 An Experience of the Captivity. By the rivers of Babylon,There we [captives] sat down and wept,When we remembered Zion [the city God imprinted on our hearts].
2 On the willow trees in the midst of BabylonWe hung our harps.
3 For there they who took us captive demanded of us a song with words,And our tormentors [who made a mockery of us demanded] amusement,saying,“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”
4 How can we sing the L’songIn a strangeandforeign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,Let my right hand forget [her skill with the harp].
6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouthIf I do not remember you,If I do not prefer JerusalemAbove my chief joy.
7 Remember, O L, against the sons of Edom,The day of [the fall of] Jerusalem,Who said “Down, down [with her]To her very foundation.”
8 O daughter of Babylon, you devastator,How blessed will be the oneWho repays you [with destruction] as you have repaid us.
9 How blessed will be the one who seizes and dashes your little onesAgainst the rock.