Psalm 137 - Contemporary English Version (CEV)

A Prayer for Revenge

1 Beside the rivers of Babylon
we thought about Jerusalem,
and we sat down and cried.
2 We hung our small harps
on the willow[a] trees.
3 Our enemies had brought us here
as their prisoners;
now they wanted us to sing
and entertain them.
They insulted us and shouted,
“Sing about Zion!”

4 Here in a foreign land,
how can we sing
about the Lord?
5 Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand go limp.
6 Let my tongue stick
to the roof of my mouth,
if I don't think about you
above all else.

7 Our Lord, punish the Edomites!
On the day Jerusalem fell,
they shouted,
“Completely destroy the city!
Tear down every building!”

8 (A) Babylon, you are doomed!
I pray the Lord's blessings
on anyone who punishes you
for what you did to us.
9 May the Lord bless everyone
who beats your children
against the rocks!

Footnotes

  1. 137.2 willow: Or “poplar.”

Cross references

  1. 137.8 : Rev 18.6.

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Psalm 137 - New Life Version (NLV)

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Psalm 137 - New King James Version (NKJV)

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Psalm 137 - New International Version (NIV)

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Psalm 137 - New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

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Psalm 137 - New English Translation (NET)

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