1By the rivers of Babylon,
There we sat down and wept,
When we remembered Zion.
2Upon the willows in the midst of it[#137:2 Or poplars]
We hung our harps.
3For there our captors demanded of us songs,[#137:3 Lit asked; #137:3 Lit words of song]
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 forget its skill.
6May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
If I do not remember you,
If I do not exalt 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 devastated one,[#137:8 Or devastator]
Blessed will be one who repays you
With the retribution with which you have repaid us.
9Blessed will be one who seizes and dashes your children
Against the rock.