< Psalms 137 >
1 By the riuers of Babel we sate, and there wee wept, when we remembred Zion.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 Wee hanged our harpes vpon the willowes in the middes thereof.
On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.
3 Then they that ledde vs captiues, required of vs songs and mirth, when wee had hanged vp our harpes, saying, Sing vs 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 Howe shall we sing, said we, a song of the Lord in a strange land?
How can we sing YHWH's song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget thee, O Ierusalem, let my right hand forget to play.
If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth: yea, if I preferre not Ierusalem to my chiefe ioy.
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 the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Ierusalem, which saide, Rase it, rase it to the foundation thereof.
Remember, YHWH, against the descendants of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it. Raze it even to its foundation."
8 O daughter of Babel, worthy to be destroyed, blessed shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast serued vs.
Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be blessed who rewards you, as you have served us.
9 Blessed shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy children against the stones.
Blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.