Psalms 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon we were seated, weeping at the memory of Zion,

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 Hanging our instruments of music on the trees by the waterside.

On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.

3 For there those who had taken us prisoners made request for a song; and those who had taken away all we had gave us orders to be glad, saying, Give us one of the songs of Zion.

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."

4 How may we give the Lord's song in a strange land?

How can we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?

5 If I keep not your memory, O Jerusalem, let not my right hand keep the memory of its art.

If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.

6 If I let you go out of my thoughts, and if I do not put Jerusalem before my greatest joy, let my tongue be fixed to the roof of my mouth.

Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you; if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 O Lord, keep in mind against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem; how they said, Let it be uncovered, uncovered even to its base.

Remember, LORD, against the descendants of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it. Raze it even to its foundation."

8 O daughter of Babylon, whose fate is destruction; happy is the man who does to you what you have done to us.

Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be blessed who rewards you, as you have served us.

9 Happy is the man who takes your little ones, crushing them against the rocks.

Blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.