Psalms 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 Upon the willows in the midst of it we hung up our harps.

On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

3 For there those who led us captive required of us songs, and those who wasted us, mirth, saying, Sing for us one of the songs of Zion.

For 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!”

4 How shall we sing Jehovah's song in a foreign land?

How can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget.

If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember thee, if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Let 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.

7 Remember, O Jehovah, the day of Jerusalem against the sons of Edom, who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.

Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

8 O daughter of Babylon, who is to be destroyed, happy shall he be who rewards thee as thou have served us.

Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us.

9 Happy shall he be who takes and dashes thy little ones against the rock.

Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.