< Psalms 137 >
1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
By rivers of Babylon—There we sat, Indeed, we wept when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.
We hung our harps on willows in its midst.
3 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."
For there our captors asked us the words of a song, And our spoilers—joy: “Sing to us of a song of Zion.”
4 How can we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?
How do we sing the song of YHWH, On the land of a stranger?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, my right hand forgets!
6 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.
My tongue cleaves to my palate, If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7 Remember, LORD, against the descendants of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it. Raze it even to its foundation."
Remember, YHWH, for the sons of Edom, The day of Jerusalem, Those saying, “Raze, raze to its foundation!”
8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be blessed who rewards you, as you have served us.
O daughter of Babylon, O destroyed one, O the blessedness of him who repays to you your deed, That you have done to us.
9 Blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.
O the blessedness of him who seizes, and has dashed your sucklings on the rock!