Psalm 137:3

Translations

Modern

…for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

For there our captors required of us the words of a song, and our tormentors, joy: “Sing to us a song of Zion.”

Latin

…quia illic interrogaverunt nos, qui captivos duxerunt nos, verba cantionum; et qui abduxerunt nos: Hymnum cantate nobis de canticis Sion.

Original

Hebrew

English

…for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.”

Notes

Psalms 137:2–4

Because the music of Jerusalem was connected to the joy of life in the promised land, the exile took away any reason to sing joyful songs. The Babylonians asked the Judeans to sing and dance for them, but the people were so full of grief that they could not do it.

The songs about the Lord celebrate his power and goodness, but his people were now filled with doubt and questions. They hung their harps in the trees, which may show that their joy had come to an end under God’s judgment (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Psalms 137:1–9

In response to the pain of exile (Psalm 137:1–4), the psalmist decides to remember Jerusalem, even though the memories cause him pain (137:4–6). He also speaks a strong prayer asking God to bring justice on his enemies (Psalm 137:7–9).

Theme notes and profiles

Prayers for Vengeance Psalms of Suffering

Related verses

Luke 21:6
“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Micah 3:12
Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.
Psalm 9:14
…that I may declare all Your praises—that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation.
Lamentations 2:15–16
All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”
1 Chronicles 16:7
On that day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this song of thanksgiving to the LORD:
Psalm 79:1
A Psalm of Asaph. The nations, O God, have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
Revelation 14:1–3
Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Jeremiah 9:11
“And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”
Psalm 65:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song. Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled.
Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Psalm 123:3–4
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.
Jeremiah 31:12–13
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish.

Parallels

Ezekiel 1:1–3

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Imprecatory Psalms Joy Music Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of

Topics

Babylon: Grief of the Jews In Church: Love For Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Country: Love of Jerusalem: Beloved Music: Generally Put Aside in Times of Affliction Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Patriotism: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 137:3

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?