Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: "Destroy it," they said, "tear it down to its foundations!" Remember, O LORD, the sons of EdomEdom descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother, yet Edom’s long hostility toward Israel culminated in cruel betrayal during Judah’s calamity. The plea asks God to bring their deeds before His righteous judgment and to uphold His covenant care for His afflicted people. Oba 1:10 Because of the violence against your brother Jacob,… on the day Jerusalem fell: Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC, bringing the kingdom of Judah to an end and sending many survivors into exile. Edom did not mourn with their kinsmen but rejoiced over the city’s ruin, as Obadiah records. 2Ki 25:8-10 On the seventh day of the fifth month,… “Destroy it,” they said, Edomite voices joined the enemies of Jerusalem, urging its devastation rather than showing mercy to a people bound to them by family history. Their delight in Judah’s suffering exposed contempt for the Lord’s people and for the city where He had placed His name. Psa 83:4-5 Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel… “tear it down to its foundations!” Edom desired not merely Jerusalem’s defeat but its complete erasure. God later condemned Edom for standing against Judah in its hour of need and promised judgment, while also preserving hope that Jerusalem would be rebuilt according to His purpose. Lam 4:11 The LORD has exhausted His wrath; He has kindled a fire… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Sons of EdomDescendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, who historically had a contentious relationship with the Israelites. In this verse, they are remembered for their role in the destruction of Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The holy city of the Israelites, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This event is central to the lament of Psalm 137. 3. The Fall of Jerusalem A significant event in Jewish history where the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the Jewish people. Teaching Points The Consequences of BetrayalThe actions of Edom serve as a warning against betrayal and taking pleasure in the downfall of others. God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions against His people. God's Justice and Memory This verse reminds us that God remembers the actions of nations and individuals. His justice may not be immediate, but it is certain. We can trust God to address wrongs in His timing. The Importance of Solidarity Among Believers The betrayal by Edom, a relative nation, underscores the importance of unity and support among believers, especially in times of crisis. The Role of Lament in Faith Psalm 137 as a whole, including this verse, teaches us the value of lament. It is a legitimate expression of faith to bring our pain and desire for justice before God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical relationship between Israel and Edom enhance our understanding of Psalm 137:7?2. In what ways can we see the principle of "reaping what you sow" reflected in the fate of Edom as described in other scriptures? 3. How can we apply the lessons of Edom's betrayal to our own relationships within the church community? 4. What does this verse teach us about God's memory and justice, and how can that influence our response to personal injustices? 5. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Psalm 137, be a healthy part of our spiritual life today? Connections to Other Scriptures Obadiah 1:10-14This passage condemns Edom for their violence against their brother Jacob (Israel) during the fall of Jerusalem, highlighting their betrayal and gloating over Israel's misfortune. Lamentations 4:21-22 These verses also address Edom, predicting that their rejoicing over Jerusalem's downfall will be short-lived and that they too will face judgment. Ezekiel 25:12-14 God pronounces judgment on Edom for their actions against Judah, promising retribution for their betrayal and violence.
People David, Edomites, PsalmistPlaces BabylonTopics Bare, Base, Cried, Edom, Edomites, E'domites, Fell, Foundation, Foundations, Jerusalem, Lay, Mind, O, Rase, Raze, Remember, Saying, Sons, Tear, Thereof, UncoveredDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 137:1-9Library Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. NicholasTo Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for … Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Captivity. Third Sunday after Easter Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. In Judaea Concerning the Sacrament of Penance The Iranian Conquest The History of the Psalter Letters of St. Bernard Questions. Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Psalms Links Psalm 137:7 NIVPsalm 137:7 NLT Psalm 137:7 ESV Psalm 137:7 NASB Psalm 137:7 KJV Psalm 137:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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