Psalm 137 (NASB2020)

Psalm 137

An Experience of the Captivity.

1By the rivers of Babylon,

There we sat down and wept,

When we remembered Zion.

2Upon the 137:2 Or poplarswillows in the midst of it

We hung our 137:2 Lit lyresharps.

3For there our captors 137:3 Lit askeddemanded of us 137:3 Lit words of songsongs,

And our tormentors, jubilation, saying,

“Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!”

4¶How can we sing the Lord’s song

In a foreign land?

5If I forget you, Jerusalem,

May my right hand 137:5 I.e., become uselessforget its skill.

6May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth

If I do not remember you,

If I do not 137:6 Lit cause to ascendexalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.

7¶Remember, Lord, against the sons of Edom

The day of Jerusalem,

Those who said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare

To its foundation!”

8Daughter of Babylon, you 137:8 Or devastatordevastated one,

Blessed will be one who repays you

With 137:8 Lit your requitalthe retribution with which you have repaid us.

9Blessed will be one who seizes and dashes your children

Against the rock.

Understand Psalm 137

Walk through Psalm 137 verse by verse, then read what three commentaries say about the chapter. The explanations are written for new readers.