Psalms 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

For David, [a Psalm] of Jeremias. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat; and wept when we remembered Sion.

2 On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.

We hung our harps on the willows in the midst of it.

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 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.

4 How can we sing YHWH's song in a foreign land?

How should we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?

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

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [its skill].

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.

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.

7 Remember, YHWH, against the descendants of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it. Raze it even to its foundation."

Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it], even to its foundations.

8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be blessed who rewards you, as you have served us.

Wretched daughter of Babylon! blessed [shall he be] who shall reward you as you have rewarded us.

9 Blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Blessed [shall he be] who shall seize and dash your infants against the rock.