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 YHWH'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, YHWH, 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!