Psalm 137:9

Blessed is he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.

Study Bible

Blessed is he
The phrase "Blessed is he" in this context is a declaration of divine favor or approval. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), which conveys a sense of happiness or contentment that comes from being in alignment with God's will. In the broader biblical narrative, being "blessed" often implies receiving God's favor and protection. This phrase sets the tone for the verse, indicating that the actions described are seen as just or righteous within the context of divine justice.

who seizes
The word "seizes" comes from the Hebrew root "תָּפַשׂ" (taphas), which means to grasp or take hold of. This term is often used in the context of capturing or taking control. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where warfare and conquest were common, and the act of seizing was part of the reality of conflict. In the psalm, it reflects the intense emotions and desire for justice or retribution felt by the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

your infants
The mention of "your infants" is a direct reference to the children of the Babylonians. In the ancient world, the destruction of one's offspring was seen as the ultimate act of vengeance, as it ensured the end of a lineage. This phrase is shocking and difficult, reflecting the deep pain and desire for justice that the Israelites felt. It is important to understand this within the historical context of the Babylonian conquest, where such acts were not uncommon in warfare.

and dashes them against the rocks
The imagery of "dashes them against the rocks" is graphic and violent, reflecting the brutal realities of ancient warfare. The Hebrew word "נָפַץ" (napatz) means to shatter or break into pieces. This phrase captures the raw emotion and desire for retribution against the Babylonians, who had destroyed Jerusalem and taken the Israelites into exile. It is a cry for justice, albeit expressed in the harsh terms of the time.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
The city and empire responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. Babylon symbolizes oppression and the enemies of God's people.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. They are the ones expressing their lament and desire for justice in Psalm 137.

3. Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken from their homeland and lived in Babylon. This was a time of great sorrow and longing for the Israelites.

4. Jerusalem
The holy city of the Israelites, which was destroyed by the Babylonians. It represents the spiritual and cultural heart of the Jewish people.

5. Edomites
A neighboring nation that rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem and encouraged the Babylonians to destroy it completely. They are mentioned earlier in the psalm as complicit in Jerusalem's downfall.

Teaching Points

Understanding Righteous Anger
The psalm reflects the deep pain and anger of the Israelites. It is important to recognize that expressing emotions to God is a part of a genuine relationship with Him.

Justice and Vengeance
The desire for justice is a natural response to wrongdoing. However, Christians are called to leave vengeance to God, trusting in His perfect justice.

Historical Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the psalm helps us grasp the depth of the Israelites' suffering and their cry for justice.

Forgiveness and Mercy
While the psalm expresses a desire for retribution, the New Testament calls believers to forgive and show mercy, following the example of Christ.

Hope in God's Sovereignty
Despite the harsh imagery, the psalm ultimately points to a hope in God's sovereign justice and the eventual restoration of His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile help us interpret Psalm 137:9?

2. In what ways can we express our anger and desire for justice to God while still trusting in His sovereignty?

3. How do the themes of justice and vengeance in Psalm 137 compare to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' lament about dealing with our own experiences of injustice or suffering?

5. How can we balance the desire for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations 2
This chapter provides a vivid description of the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people, echoing the themes of loss and lament found in Psalm 137.

Isaiah 13
This prophecy against Babylon foretells its eventual downfall, aligning with the desire for justice expressed in Psalm 137.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation can be seen as a symbolic fulfillment of the judgment against oppressive powers, similar to the judgment desired in Psalm 137.