Psalm 137 Meaning Explained

A haunting lament of exiles by Babylonian rivers. They hang their harps on poplars, unable to sing Zion’s songs in a foreign land. The oath: 'If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!' The searing conclusion is a cry for retribution against Edom and Babylon, ending with the shocking blessing on whoever dashes Babylonian infants against the rock—the raw, unresolved cry of trauma.

A clear explanation of Psalm 137, expressing sorrow in exile and yearning for Jerusalem

Psalms Chapter 137 | KJV

1. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
5. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7. Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.
8. O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Historical Context

Psalm 137, a Song of Ascents, recounts Israel’s captivity in Babylon and the sorrow of being away from Zion.