Psalms 137

1 When we sat down by the rivers of Babylon we wept as we remembered Zion.

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

2 We hung up our harps on the willow trees.

We hung our harps on the willows in the midst thereof.

3 For those who had taken us captive asked us for a song—our tormentors wanted us to sing a happy song from Jerusalem.

For there they who carried us away captive required of us a song; They who wasted us required of us mirth: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 But how could we sing a song dedicated to the Lord in a pagan land?

How shall we sing the LORD'S song In a strange land?

5 If I forget Jerusalem, may my right hand forget how to play;

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her cunning!

6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you—if I don't consider Jerusalem my greatest joy.

If I do not remember thee, Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy!

7 Lord, please remember what the people of Edom did on the day Jerusalem fell, the ones who said “Tear it down! Destroy it down to its foundations!”

Remember, O LORD! against the children of Edom The day of the calamity of Jerusalem! Who said, “Raze it, Raze it to its foundations!”

8 Daughter of Babylon, you will be destroyed! Happy is the one who pays you back, who does to you what you did to us!

O daughter of Babylon, thou destroyer! Happy be he who requiteth thee As thou hast dealt with us!

9 Happy is the one who grabs your children and smashes them against the rocks!

Happy be he who seizeth thy little ones And dasheth them against the stones!