CHAPTER 137
AUTHOR UNKNOWN: THE MOURNING OF THE EXILES IN BABYLON
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. (The two cities of Jerusalem and Babylon are opposed. The one is Gods city; the other, mans. The one figures truth; the other, falsehood. The one represents the Kingdom of Light; the other, that of darkness. These cities exist today as principles.)
2We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. (Captivity to the world paralyzes both hand and tongue so that it is impossible in such an atmosphere to sing the Lords Song.)
3For there they who carried us away captive required of us a song; and they who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. (The word there emphasizes the hostile environment.)
4How shall we sing the LORDs song in a strange land? (As well as typifying the historical narrative of an actual event, this Verse also portrays the Christian who has lost his way.)
5If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. (The harpist is saying that even though he is not playing his harp, he has not forgotten how. As well, even though he is not in Jerusalem, he will not forget her glory and her joys.)
6If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. (The Psalmist realizes what he has lost and what he must regain. He has faith that it will be regained.)
7Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. (Inasmuch as Edom rejoiced in the day of Jerusalems defeat, probably the lament of this Psalm refers to Nebuchadnezzars destruction of Jerusalem.)
8O daughter of Babylon, who is to be destroyed; happy shall he be, who rewards you as you have served us. (It seems this Prophecy was given before Babylon was destroyed and promised its destruction.)
9Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the stones. (The language is figurative. Babylon represents idolatry; her children are the idol images beloved by her. To destroy these is indeed happiness to the servants of Truth.)