137 <1> We sat by the rivers in Babylon
and cried as we remembered Zion.[636]
<2> We hung our harps nearby,
there on the willow trees .[637]
<3> There in Babylon, those who captured us told us to sing.
Our enemies told us to entertain them:
"Sing us one of your song about Zion."
<4> But we cannot sing the Lord's songs
in a foreign country!
<5> Jerusalem, if I ever forget you,
may I never play a song again.
<6> If I fail to remember you,
may I never sing again.
I will never forget you.
Jerusalem will always be my greatest joy!
<7> Lord, remember the Edomites
and punish them for what they did when Jerusalem was captured.
They shouted, "Destroy its buildings!
Pull them down to the ground!"
<8> Babylon, you will be destroyed!
Bless the one who pays you back for what you did to us.
<9> Bless the one who grabs your babies
and smashes them against a rock.
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.