Psalm 137

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

Beside Babylon's streams, we sat, our hearts heavy with sorrow, tears flowing as we longed for our beloved Zion.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

We sadly left our melodies in the heart of the weeping willows.

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.

In our captivity, our captors demanded joy and songs from us. They taunted us, asking for melodies from our beloved Zion.

How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?

How can we express our love for God through song when we're in unfamiliar territory?

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, may I lose all my skills and abilities.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

If I ever forget you, may my words fail me; if I don't hold Jerusalem as my greatest happiness.

Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

Lord, please recall how the Edomites, during Jerusalem's darkest hour, heartlessly cheered for its complete destruction.

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Oh, child of Babylon, destined for ruin, joy will fill those who repay you for the pain you've caused us.

Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Happy is the one who seizes your little ones and smashes them against the rocks.