Psalms 137

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

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

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

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

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

How shall 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 thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her cunning!

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.

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

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

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

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

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