PSALM 137

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 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. How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. 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. Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Psalm 137

By the Rivers of Babylon

Have you ever lived by the rivers
Of Babylon? To Israel it was a
Sad occasion, their homes and city
Plundered, and wives ravished.

What a contrast between Babylon
Which stands for the world and
Its culture, and Jerusalem which
Stands for God’s heavenly kingdom.

Two cities have formed two loves;
The earthly by the love of self; the
Heavenly by the love of God even
To the contempt of self.

The captives were struck down, but not
Destroyed, in distress, but not in
Despair. Because of sorrow, they could
Not sing the songs of Zion.

Their harps rested on the willows. “By
The rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
When we remembered Zion.” But after
Seventy years they returned to Zion.

It matters not if Zion was more wicked
Than Babylon or vice-versa. Jesus said,
“Except we repent, we shall all likewise perish.”
Before its too late, turn to Jesus now.

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

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