137
Context: King Nebuchadnezzar carries Israel [God prevails] into exile. (2 Kings 24-25)
1 By the rivers of Babylon [Confusion], there we sat down.
Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking].
2 On the willows in that land,
we hung up our harps.
3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs.
Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy:
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking]!”
4 How can we sing Adonai ’s song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem [City of peace],
let my right hand forget its skill.
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you;
if I don’t prefer Jerusalem [City of peace] above my chief joy.
7 Remember, Adonai , against the children of Edom [Red],
the day of Jerusalem [City of peace];
who said, “Raze it!
Raze it even to its foundation!”
8 Daughter of Babylon [Confusion], doomed to destruction,
he will be happy who rewards you,
as you have served us.
9 Happy shall he be,
who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.