◄ Psalm 137 ►
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By the Rivers of Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1–3) 1By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2There on the willowsa we hung our harps, 3for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.” 4How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? 5If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. 6May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! 7Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!” 8O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us. 9Blessed is he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks. Footnotes: 2 a Or poplars Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 137 Summary By the Rivers of Babylon Verses 1–3 – Weeping by the Rivers of Babylon Exiles sit beside Babylon’s canals, sobbing at memories of Zion. Harps once used for temple praise hang mute on poplars while captors mockingly demand, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” Verses 4–6 – Vow to Remember Jerusalem Singing feels impossible in foreign soil. The psalmist swears that if he ever forgets Jerusalem, may his right hand wither and his tongue cleave to his palate. Zion remains his highest joy. Verses 7–9 – Cry for Divine Justice He pleads with God to remember Edom’s cheers when Jerusalem fell and declares a blessing on anyone who repays Babylon’s cruelty, even to the shocking image of infants dashed upon rocks. Psalm 137 is a poignant expression of the deep longing and bitter grief experienced by the Israelites during their captivity in Babylon. It captures their struggle to worship amidst their suffering, their yearning for their homeland, Zion, and their raw anger towards their captors and the Edomites who revelled in their destruction. Historical Setting: Jerusalem’s Fall and the Babylonian Exile • 586 BC – Nebuchadnezzar II razes Jerusalem (2 Kings 25). Survivors are marched 700 miles to Babylonia. • Lamentations captures the ruins; Psalm 137 voices the exile’s grief. • Cuneiform tablets from “Al-Yahudu” confirm Judean settlements along canals of the Euphrates system. Geography and the “Rivers” The Hebrew naharot covers both natural branches and man-made waterways. Working farms beside canals, the exiles faced daily reminders of Zion’s distant hills. Poplars, Harps, and Lost Worship • Poplars grow quick and tall along rivers—handy for hanging unused instruments. • The harp (kinnor) recalls David’s music (1 Samuel 16:23). Its silence signals worship interrupted. • Captors’ taunts turn sacred songs into entertainment, much like Herod’s mockery of Jesus (Luke 23:11). Memory Tied to Covenant Loyalty Forgetting Jerusalem would betray God’s dwelling place. The self-curse in verses 5–6 mirrors Deuteronomy 8:11’s warning and Jesus’ words, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Edom’s Betrayal Descendants of Esau rejoiced at Jerusalem’s ruin (Obadiah 10-14). The psalm asks God to keep score. Within decades Edom disappeared as a nation—history’s answer to the plea. Imprecatory Language and Justice The harsh wish in verses 8-9 reflects Babylon’s own violence (Isaiah 13:16). It calls for God-administered payback, echoing Romans 12:19: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” Textual Flow 1. Lament (1–4) 2. Vow (5–6) 3. Imprecation (7–9) Connections to Earlier Scripture • Jeremiah 29:4-7 tells exiles to settle yet promises Babylon’s fall. • Deuteronomy 32:43 assures God’s vengeance. • Isaiah 13-14 foretells Babylon’s doom, lifting phrases mirrored here. Echoes in Later Scripture • Revelation 18:6 reprises “repay her as she has repaid.” • Hebrews 11:13 speaks of living as strangers, an answer to verse 4. • Jesus weeps over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), fulfilling the longing with ultimate hope. Archaeological Notes • Babylonian Chronicles verify the 586 BC siege. • Clay contracts list Judeans along the Chebar River. • Assyrian reliefs show harps matching biblical descriptions. Practical Takeaways • Lament and praise both belong in worship (Revelation 21:4). • Earthly homes matter, yet our final city is the heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:22-24). • Music is holy service, never mere entertainment for scoffers. From Exile to Messiah The psalm cries for justice; at the cross, Jesus bears the curse so all nations—even spiritual “Babylon” (Revelation 18)—can find mercy, while final judgment awaits the unrepentant. Key Verses Psalm 137:4 – “How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?” Psalm 137:6 – “May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I fail to remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Lamentations 1:1-4 Another expression of sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem, providing a broader context for the feelings in Psalm 137. Jeremiah 29:10-14 God's promise to bring the Israelites back from exile, offering hope and a future. Revelation 21:1-4 The ultimate hope of a new Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear. Teaching Points Historical Context Psalm 137 is set during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Israelites were taken captive and removed from Jerusalem. This psalm reflects their deep sorrow and longing for their homeland. Expression of Grief The psalm begins with a vivid image of the Israelites sitting by the rivers of Babylon, weeping as they remember Zion (Psalm 137:1). This shows the depth of their emotional and spiritual anguish. Forced to Sing The captors demanded songs of joy, asking the Israelites to sing one of the songs of Zion (Psalm 137:3). This request was a cruel reminder of their loss and a mockery of their faith. Refusal to Forget The psalmist vows never to forget Jerusalem, expressing a deep commitment to their identity and faith (Psalm 137:5-6). This highlights the importance of remembering God's promises even in difficult times. Cry for Justice The psalm ends with a plea for justice against their oppressors (Psalm 137:7-9). This reflects the human desire for God to right the wrongs and bring about His justice. Practical Applications Embrace Lament Allow yourself to express grief and sorrow in times of loss. Lament is a biblical and healthy way to process pain. Hold on to Hope Even in exile, the Israelites clung to the hope of returning to Jerusalem. In our own trials, we can hold on to the hope of God's promises. Remember Your Identity Like the Israelites, we should remember who we are in Christ, even when circumstances try to strip us of our identity. Seek God's Justice Trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness, even when it seems delayed. People 1. The Israelites The psalm begins with the Israelites, who are the primary speakers and subjects of the lament. They are depicted as captives in Babylon, mourning the loss of their homeland, Zion. The Hebrew term "בני ישראל" (Bnei Yisrael) refers to the descendants of Israel (Jacob), God's chosen people. 2. The Babylonians Referred to indirectly as "our captors" and "those who tormented us," the Babylonians are the oppressors who have taken the Israelites into exile. The Hebrew term "בבל" (Bavel) is used for Babylon, representing the empire responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. 3. The Edomites Mentioned in verse 7, the Edomites are remembered for their role in the destruction of Jerusalem. The psalmist calls upon the Lord to remember the actions of the Edomites, who are accused of encouraging the Babylonians to "tear it down to its foundations." The Hebrew term "אדום" (Edom) refers to the descendants of Esau, who were historically hostile to Israel. 4. The Daughter of Babylon In verse 8, the "Daughter of Babylon" is addressed as the personification of the Babylonian empire. The psalmist speaks of future judgment upon Babylon, expressing a desire for retribution. The Hebrew term "בת בבל" (Bat Bavel) is used, symbolizing the city and its people. Places 1. Babylon "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion." (Psalm 137:1) Babylon is the place of exile for the Israelites. It represents a land of captivity and sorrow, far from their homeland. The Hebrew root for Babylon is "בָּבֶל" (Bavel), which is often associated with confusion or mixing. 2. Zion "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion." (Psalm 137:1) Zion refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural heart of the Israelites. It symbolizes their homeland and the center of their worship. The Hebrew root for Zion is "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon), which can mean a parched place or a signpost, often representing the city of God. 3. Edom "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Tear it down,' they cried, 'tear it down to its foundations!'" (Psalm 137:7) Edom is a neighboring nation to Israel, often seen as an adversary. In this context, the Edomites are remembered for their hostility during the fall of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), meaning red, possibly referring to the red sandstone of its region or the descendants of Esau. 4. Daughter of Babylon "O daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us." (Psalm 137:8) This phrase personifies Babylon as a female figure, symbolizing the city and its empire. It is a prophetic declaration of Babylon's eventual downfall. The term "daughter" in Hebrew is "בַּת" (bat), often used to denote a city or nation as a progeny or extension of its people. Events 1. Weeping by the Rivers of Babylon The psalm begins with the Israelites sitting by the rivers of Babylon, weeping as they remember Zion. The Hebrew word for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys deep sorrow and lamentation. "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion." (Psalm 137:1) 2. Hanging Harps on the Willows The Israelites hang their harps on the willows, symbolizing their inability to sing joyful songs in a foreign land. The Hebrew term for "willows" (עֲרָבִים, aravim) indicates trees commonly found near water. "There on the poplars we hung our harps," (Psalm 137:2) 3. Demand for Songs by Captors Their captors demand songs of joy, asking them to sing one of the songs of Zion. This request is seen as a mockery of their faith and heritage. "for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.'" (Psalm 137:3) 4. Question of Singing the Lord's Song in a Foreign Land The Israelites question how they can sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, highlighting their deep sense of displacement and loss. "How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4) 5. Oath to Remember Jerusalem The psalmist vows to remember Jerusalem above all else, even at the cost of personal loss. The Hebrew word for "forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach) emphasizes the importance of memory and identity. "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill." (Psalm 137:5) 6. Curse upon Forgetting Jerusalem The psalmist invokes a curse upon himself if he fails to remember Jerusalem, underscoring the city's centrality to their faith and identity. "May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy." (Psalm 137:6) 7. Call for Retribution against Edom The psalmist calls for divine retribution against the Edomites, who encouraged the destruction of Jerusalem. The Hebrew term for "tear it down" (עָרוּ, aru) reflects the Edomites' hostility. "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Tear it down,' they cried, 'tear it down to its foundations!'" (Psalm 137:7) 8. Desire for Vengeance on Babylon The psalm concludes with a desire for vengeance against Babylon, expressing a hope for justice and the eventual downfall of their oppressors. "O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us." (Psalm 137:8) 9. Blessing on the Avenger The psalmist pronounces a blessing on those who would avenge the destruction of Jerusalem, reflecting the intense emotions of the exiled community. "Blessed is he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." (Psalm 137:9) Lessons from Psalm 137 1. The Power of Memory and Longing Psalm 137 begins with a poignant scene of the Israelites sitting by the rivers of Babylon, weeping as they remember Zion. This teaches us the power of memory and longing for our spiritual home. Just as the Israelites yearned for Jerusalem, we are reminded to keep our hearts set on our heavenly home. "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill" (Psalm 137:5). Let this longing fuel our daily walk with God, keeping our focus on His eternal promises. 2. The Importance of Worship in Exile Even in captivity, the Israelites were asked to sing the songs of Zion. This highlights the importance of worship, even in difficult circumstances. Worship is not confined to a place but is a posture of the heart. "How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4). Let us find ways to worship God wherever we are, knowing that He is with us in every situation. 3. The Pain of Separation from God’s Presence The psalm reflects the deep sorrow of being separated from the temple, the symbol of God's presence. This separation is a reminder of the pain sin causes in our relationship with God. Yet, through Christ, we have the assurance of reconciliation. "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept when we remembered Zion" (Psalm 137:1). Let this drive us to seek closeness with God daily. 4. The Role of Community in Times of Trial The Israelites sat together by the rivers, sharing their grief. This underscores the importance of community in times of trial. We are called to bear one another's burdens and support each other in faith. "There on the poplars we hung our harps" (Psalm 137:2). Let us be intentional in building and nurturing our spiritual communities. 5. The Call to Remember God’s Faithfulness In their lament, the Israelites recall the glory of Jerusalem, reminding us to remember God's past faithfulness. This remembrance strengthens our faith and hope for the future. "Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell" (Psalm 137:7). Let us recount God’s faithfulness in our lives, trusting Him for what lies ahead. 6. The Reality of Righteous Anger The psalm expresses a raw and honest cry for justice against their oppressors. This teaches us that righteous anger has a place in our spiritual journey, as long as it is surrendered to God. "O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us" (Psalm 137:8). Let us bring our anger to God, trusting Him to act justly. 7. The Necessity of Forgiveness While the psalm speaks of vengeance, it also points us to the necessity of forgiveness. Jesus calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven. "Blessed is he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks" (Psalm 137:9) is a cry for justice, but through Christ, we learn to forgive and leave justice in God’s hands. 8. The Hope of Restoration The lament of Psalm 137 ultimately points to the hope of restoration. God promises to restore His people and bring them back to their land. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Let this hope encourage us as we await God’s promises. 9. The Sovereignty of God in All Circumstances Despite their captivity, the Israelites acknowledge God’s sovereignty. This reminds us that God is in control, even when life seems chaotic. "The LORD has done what He planned; He has fulfilled His word, which He decreed long ago" (Lamentations 2:17). Trust in His sovereign plan, knowing He works all things for our good. 10. The Ultimate Deliverance through Christ Psalm 137 points us to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites longed for physical deliverance, we have spiritual deliverance through Christ’s death and resurrection. "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). Rejoice in the salvation and freedom we have in Him. Topics 1. Lament by the Rivers of Babylon The psalm opens with the Israelites sitting by the rivers of Babylon, weeping as they remember Zion. This setting underscores their deep sorrow and longing for their homeland. ^“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.”^ (Psalm 137:1) 2. Hanging Up the Harps The Israelites hang their harps on the willows, symbolizing their inability to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. This act represents their mourning and the loss of joy. ^“There on the poplars we hung our harps,”^ (Psalm 137:2) 3. Demand for Songs by Captors Their captors demand songs of joy, mocking the Israelites by asking them to sing the songs of Zion. This highlights the cruelty and insensitivity of their captors. ^“For there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: ‘Sing us a song of Zion.’”^ (Psalm 137:3) 4. Question of Singing the Lord’s Song in a Foreign Land The psalmist questions how they can sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land, expressing the tension between their faith and their current circumstances. ^“How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?”^ (Psalm 137:4) 5. Oath to Remember Jerusalem The psalmist vows to remember Jerusalem above all else, even in exile, emphasizing the centrality of Jerusalem in their identity and faith. ^“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.”^ (Psalm 137:5) 6. Curse Against Forgetting Jerusalem A curse is pronounced upon the psalmist if they fail to remember Jerusalem, highlighting the deep emotional and spiritual connection to their homeland. ^“May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!”^ (Psalm 137:6) 7. Call for Justice Against Edom The psalmist calls for God to remember the actions of the Edomites during Jerusalem’s fall, seeking divine justice for their betrayal. ^“Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: ‘Tear it down,’ they cried, ‘tear it down to its foundations!’”^ (Psalm 137:7) 8. Imprecation Against Babylon The psalm concludes with a harsh imprecation against Babylon, expressing a desire for retribution and justice for the suffering inflicted upon the Israelites. ^“O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us.”^ (Psalm 137:8) Themes 1. Exile and Mourning Psalm 137 begins with the Israelites in Babylonian captivity, expressing deep sorrow and longing for their homeland. "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion" (Psalm 137:1). The Hebrew word for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) conveys a profound sense of lamentation and grief. 2. Memory and Identity The psalm emphasizes the importance of remembering Jerusalem as central to the Israelites' identity. "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill" (Psalm 137:5). The act of remembering (זָכַר, zakar) is crucial for maintaining cultural and spiritual identity. 3. Desire for Justice There is a strong theme of seeking justice against the oppressors. "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell" (Psalm 137:7). The call for divine remembrance (זָכַר, zakar) here is a plea for God to act justly against those who wronged Israel. 4. Imprecatory Prayer The psalm includes a controversial imprecatory prayer, expressing a desire for retribution. "Blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us" (Psalm 137:8). This reflects the Hebrew concept of justice and retribution (שִׁלֵּם, shillem), where actions are met with equivalent consequences. 5. Hope for Restoration Implicit in the lament and imprecation is a hope for future restoration and return to Zion. The longing for Jerusalem signifies a deeper hope for spiritual and national renewal. Though not explicitly stated, this theme is woven throughout the psalm as the exiles yearn for their homeland. Prayer Points Pray for those who are experiencing displacement or exile, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Ask God to help you remember His promises and hold on to hope in difficult times. Seek God's justice and righteousness in situations of oppression and injustice. Pray for the strength to maintain your identity in Christ, regardless of external circumstances. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 137:9 be reconciled with a just and loving God when it seems to celebrate cruelty against children? 2. Why would a sacred text like Psalm 137 call for retributive violence, contradicting other passages that promote forgiveness? 3. What historical or archeological evidence supports the specific events described in Psalm 137, if any? 4. How does Psalm 137 align with divine justice, given that it appears to advocate collective punishment? 5. How can believers explain the moral implications of Psalm 137’s violent language in light of the broader biblical message of love and mercy? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Psalmist describe the emotional state of the Israelites in exile? 2. How can the Israelites' struggle to sing songs of joy in a foreign land be related to modern experiences of displacement and exile? 3. How does the Psalmist express the depth of his longing for Jerusalem? 4. What role does memory play in this Psalm, and how is it connected to the idea of identity? 5. How can the Psalmist's reaction to the Edomites be interpreted in the context of the larger biblical narrative? 6. In what ways does this Psalm reflect the difficulties of worshiping God amidst suffering? 7. How do you reconcile the Psalmist's blessing of vengeance with the New Testament teachings on forgiveness? 8. What modern situations might make it difficult for individuals to "sing the Lord's song"? 9. How does this Psalm contribute to our understanding of faith as a communal experience? 10. How might the Psalmist's insistence on not forgetting Jerusalem inform the way we remember our own spiritual experiences? 11. In what ways can we apply the concept of "remembering Zion" in our present-day lives? 12. How might you respond if asked to rejoice or express your faith in a situation of extreme adversity? 13. What can Psalm 137 teach us about the complex emotions involved in dealing with loss and displacement? 14. How does the notion of justice and retribution appear in this Psalm? How does it relate to current understandings of justice? 15. How does Psalm 137 challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's character? 16. If you were in a similar situation to the Psalmist, how would you react? 17. What can we learn from the Psalmist's devotion to his homeland and faith? 18. In what ways does the Psalmist's struggle mirror challenges faced by today's believers? 19. How can the concept of "captive in a foreign land" be metaphorically interpreted in a personal spiritual journey? 20. How can Psalm 137 help believers find a voice for their anger or suffering in their relationship with God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions