Psalms  ◦   Chapter 137

1By the rivers of Babylon, as captives in this selfish world, we wept
when we remembered Zion — God’s fortress of spiritual health and wellness.

2There on the willows
we hung our harps

3while our captors told us to sing:
they demanded songs of happiness and joy;
they said, "Sing us a song of health about Zion!"

4How can our lives be songs revealing God’s character of love
while our hearts are held captive to this selfish world?

5If I forget the truth about you, O Jerusalem — the center of God’s healing plan —
may I write no more music.

6May I sing no more songs,
if they are not about you;
if they do not teach God’s healing plan centered in you, O Jerusalem,
as my highest joy.

7Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did
the day Jerusalem — your spiritual treatment center — fell?
They shouted, "Tear it down,
tear it down to the ground!"

8O people of Babylon, who cling to selfishness, you are doomed to destruction!
Happy are those who are finished with you, just as you deserve;
who have weaned themselves from you.

9Happy are they who take your children
to fall upon the Rock and be broken.