< Psalms 137 >
1 For David, [a Psalm] of Jeremias. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat; and wept when we remembered Sion.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our harps on the willows in the midst of it.
On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.
3 For there they that had taken us captive asked of us the words of a song; and they that had carried us away [asked] a hymn, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Sion.
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 should we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
How can we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [its skill].
If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.
6 May my tongue cleave to my throat, if I do not remember you; if I do not prefer Jerusalem as the chief of my joy.
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you; if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it], even to its foundations.
Remember, LORD, against the descendants of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it. Raze it even to its foundation."
8 Wretched daughter of Babylon! blessed [shall he be] who shall reward you as you have rewarded us.
Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be blessed who rewards you, as you have served us.
9 Blessed [shall he be] who shall seize and dash your infants against the rock.
Blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.