Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. New Living Translation Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem. English Standard Version By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. Berean Standard Bible By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. Berean Literal Bible By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and we wept in our remembering Zion. King James Bible By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. New King James Version By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion. New American Standard Bible By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion. NASB 1995 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion. NASB 1977 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion. Legacy Standard Bible By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat and also wept, When we remembered Zion. Amplified Bible By the rivers of Babylon, There we [captives] sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion [the city God imprinted on our hearts]. Berean Annotated Bible By the rivers of Babylon (confusion by mixing) we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. Christian Standard Bible By the rivers of Babylon — there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. Holman Christian Standard Bible By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. American Standard Version By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion. Contemporary English Version Beside the rivers of Babylon we thought about Jerusalem, and we sat down and cried. English Revised Version By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. GOD'S WORD® Translation By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion. Good News Translation By the rivers of Babylon we sat down; there we wept when we remembered Zion. International Standard Version There we sat down and cried— by the rivers of Babylon— as we remembered Zion. NET Bible By the rivers of Babylon we sit down and weep when we remember Zion. New Heart English Bible By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Webster's Bible Translation By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBy the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. World English Bible By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy rivers of Babylon—There we sat, "" Indeed, we wept when we remembered Zion. Berean Literal Bible By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and we wept in our remembering Zion. Young's Literal Translation By rivers of Babylon -- There we did sit, Yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. Smith's Literal Translation By the rivers of Babel, there we sat down: also we wept in our remembering Zion. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUpon the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept: when we remembered Sion: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible By the rivers of Babylon there we sat weeping when we remembered Zion. New Revised Standard Version By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBY the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated By the rivers of Babel, there we sat and we wept, when we remembered Zion. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion. Brenton Septuagint Translation For David, a Psalm of Jeremias. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat; and wept when we remembered Sion. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context By the Rivers of Babylon1By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2There on the willows we hung our harps,… Cross References By the rivers of Babylon Ezekiel 1:1-3 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. / On the fifth day of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin— / the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him. Jeremiah 51:13 You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut. Daniel 1:1-2 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god. we sat and wept Job 2:12-13 When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head. / Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was. Lamentations 1:2 She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies. Jeremiah 9:1 Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. when we remembered Zion. Jeremiah 51:50 You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.” Nehemiah 1:3-4 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” / When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Psalm 102:13-14 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor—the appointed time has come. / For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust. Revelation 18:2 And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. Lamentations 1:7 In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands she received no help. Her enemies looked upon her, laughing at her downfall. Isaiah 14:4 you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! 2 Kings 24:14 He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. Jeremiah 29:1 This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Isaiah 47:1 “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate. 2 Chronicles 36:20 Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. Treasury of Scripture By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. A. the rivers Genesis 2:10-14 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads… Ezra 8:21,31 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance… Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. there sat Nehemiah 1:3,4 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire… Nehemiah 2:3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Job 2:12,13 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven… we wept Psalm 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Psalm 102:9-14 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, … Isaiah 66:10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: Jump to Previous Babylon Memory Remembered Rivers Sat Seated Sit Waters Weeping Wept ZionJump to Next Babylon Memory Remembered Rivers Sat Seated Sit Waters Weeping Wept ZionPsalm 137 1. The constancy of the Jews in captivity7. The prophet curses Edom and Babel By the rivers of Babylon This phrase refers to the location where the Israelites found themselves during the Babylonian exile, which began in 586 BC after the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The rivers of Babylon, such as the Euphrates and Tigris, were significant geographical features in the region. The mention of rivers may also symbolize the abundance and fertility of Babylon, contrasting with the desolation of Jerusalem. The rivers were places where the exiles gathered, possibly for communal activities or reflection. This setting highlights the physical and emotional distance from their homeland. we sat and wept when we remembered Zion Persons / Places / Events 1. Rivers of BabylonRefers to the waterways in the region of Babylon, where the Israelites were taken into captivity. This setting symbolizes a place of exile and longing for their homeland. 2. We Represents the Israelites, specifically those who were exiled to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. They are the collective voice of the lament in this Psalm. 3. Wept The act of weeping signifies deep sorrow and mourning, reflecting the emotional and spiritual pain of the Israelites in exile. 4. Zion Another name for Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural center of the Israelites. Remembering Zion evokes a sense of loss and longing for their homeland and the presence of God. 5. Babylonian Exile A significant event in Jewish history where the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many Israelites captive, leading to a period of reflection and lamentation. Teaching Points The Pain of ExileReflect on the emotional and spiritual pain of being separated from God’s presence and community. Consider how this applies to modern experiences of feeling distant from God. The Importance of Remembrance Remembering Zion signifies the importance of recalling God’s past faithfulness and promises. Encourage believers to remember and hold onto God’s promises during difficult times. Longing for Restoration The Israelites’ longing for Zion reflects a deep desire for restoration and return to God. Encourage believers to cultivate a longing for spiritual renewal and deeper relationship with God. The Role of Lament in Faith Lament is a valid and important expression of faith. Teach that bringing our sorrows and struggles before God is a way to deepen our trust and reliance on Him. Hope in Exile Even in exile, there is hope for future restoration. Encourage believers to find hope in God’s promises and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 137:1?2. How does Psalm 137:1 reflect the Israelites' emotional state in Babylonian exile? 3. What can we learn about lamenting from "we sat and wept"? 4. How does Psalm 137:1 connect to God's promises in Jeremiah 29:10-14? 5. How can we apply the practice of lament in our personal prayer life? 6. In what ways can Psalm 137:1 inspire empathy for those in spiritual exile? 7. What historical events led to the lament in Psalm 137:1? 8. How does Psalm 137:1 reflect the Israelites' experience in Babylonian exile? 9. What is the significance of the phrase "By the rivers of Babylon" in Psalm 137:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 137? 11. How does Psalm 137 align with divine justice, given that it appears to advocate collective punishment? 12. What historical or archeological evidence supports the specific events described in Psalm 137, if any? 13. If the Babylonian Exile was as devastating as described, why do some records suggest many Jews prospered in Babylon? 14. What guidance does the Bible offer on mourning? What Does Psalm 137:1 Mean By the rivers of Babylon“By the rivers of Babylon” places us in a literal, identifiable setting: the waterways—Euphrates, Tigris, Chebar—where Judah’s captives lived (2 Kings 24:14; Ezekiel 1:1). • These real rivers framed everyday life in exile, far from the hills of Judah (Jeremiah 51:13). • God had warned Israel that disobedience would lead to dispersion among the nations (Deuteronomy 28:64); now that prophecy is visibly fulfilled. • Even in Babylon, God’s sovereign hand remained on His people, as He directed them to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:4-7) while still preserving their distinct identity. we sat “We sat” captures the forced stillness of captivity. • Sitting reflects being settled against one’s will—no pilgrimage to Jerusalem possible (Lamentations 2:10). • The posture also mirrors Job’s friends who “sat… seven days and seven nights” in silent grief (Job 2:13). • Exile halted their worship rhythms; Levites who once stood in the Temple courts now sat on foreign soil (1 Chronicles 23:30 vs. Ezekiel 3:15). and wept “We… wept” signals unrestrained sorrow. • Like Jeremiah who “weeps for the hurt of my people” (Jeremiah 8:21), the captives pour out tears. • Tears are a righteous response to loss; Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), validating grieving hearts. • Yet Scripture promises that “those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5), hinting at future restoration. when we remembered Zion “when we remembered Zion” shows that memory fuels emotion. • Zion is more than geography; it is where God chose to make His name dwell (2 Chronicles 7:16; Psalm 48:1-2). • Remembering evokes longing similar to the sons of Korah: “My soul longs… for the courts of the LORD” (Psalm 84:2). • This remembrance keeps hope alive; prophets proclaimed that captives would return and rebuild (Isaiah 44:26-28; Zechariah 8:3-8). summary Psalm 137:1 records real exiles sitting by real rivers, overwhelmed by grief as they recall the real city where God had revealed Himself. Their posture, tears, and memories testify both to sin’s consequences and to God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness. Even in Babylon, Scripture nudges hearts to look beyond sorrow toward the promised day when Zion’s songs will rise again in joy. (1) By the rivers . . .--Mentioned as the characteristic feature of the country, as we say "among the mountains of Wales." The canals which irrigated Babylonia made it what an ancient writer called it, the greatest of "cities of river places."Verse 1. - By the rivers of Babylon The Euphrates and the canals derived from it, which were many, and filled with running, not stagnant, water. These would present themselves to the exiles as "rivers." There we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. The exiles had their leisure hours - they were not kept by their masters at hard work continually. During these leisure hours they naturally "sat down" by the rivers of Babylon, as the most pleasant and attractive places. They brought their harps with them (ver. 2), with some idea, perhaps, of indulging in mournful strains. Grief, however, overpowered them - Zion came to their recollection-and they could do nothing but weep.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Byעַ֥ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the rivers נַהֲר֨וֹת ׀ (na·hă·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity of Babylon בָּבֶ֗ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city we sat יָ֭שַׁבְנוּ (yā·šaḇ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry and גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and wept בָּכִ֑ינוּ (bā·ḵî·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan when we remembered בְּ֝זָכְרֵ֗נוּ (bə·zā·ḵə·rê·nū) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common plural Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male Zion. צִיּֽוֹן׃ (ṣî·yō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem Links Psalm 137:1 NIVPsalm 137:1 NLT Psalm 137:1 ESV Psalm 137:1 NASB Psalm 137:1 KJV Psalm 137:1 BibleApps.com Psalm 137:1 Biblia Paralela Psalm 137:1 Chinese Bible Psalm 137:1 French Bible Psalm 137:1 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon there we (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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