Psalms 137

1 Upon the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept: when we remembered Sion:

By the rivers of Babylon [Confusion], there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking].

2 On the willows in the midst thereof we hung up our instruments.

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

3 For there they that led us into captivity required of us the words of songs. And they that carried us away, said: Sing ye to us a hymn 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 [Mountain ridge, Marking]!”

4 How shall we sing the song of the Lord in a strange land?

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

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

If I forget you, Jerusalem [City of peace], let my right hand forget its skill.

6 Let my tongue cleave to my jaws, if I do not remember thee: If I make not Jerusalem the beginning of my joy.

Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you; if I don’t prefer Jerusalem [City of peace] above my chief joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom, in the day of Jerusalem: Who say: Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

Remember, Adonai, against the children of Edom [Red], the day of Jerusalem [City of peace]; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

8 O daughter of Babylon, miserable: blessed shall he be who shall repay thee thy payment which thou hast paid us.

Daughter of Babylon [Confusion], doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

9 Blessed be he that shall take and dash thy little ones against the rock.

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