Henry Law's examination of Psalm 137 addresses the profound grief of the Jewish captives in Babylon, emphasizing their longing for Zion and their despair in being away from their homeland and the worship of God. Key points include the emotional turmoil reflected in their tears and the symbolic imagery of hanging harps, representing the loss of joy and worship yet contrasting this with their fierce loyalty to Jerusalem. The author cites specific verses to illustrate the captives' sorrow and their vows to never forget Zion, expressing a theological conviction about the importance of place and worship in a believer's life. Law concludes with a reflection on God's justice, affirming that while the captives endure temporary suffering, God's eternal justice will ultimately prevail against their captors, reinforcing themes of hope in Christ amidst despair.
Key Quotes
“By the rivers of Babylon there we sat down yes we wept when we remembered Zion.”
“How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?”
“If I forget You O Jerusalem let my right hand forget her cunning.”
“Let us bless God that shelter is provided in Christ Jesus from the indignation and wrath ready to fall on mystic Babylon.”
What does the Bible say about the captivity of the Jews?
The Bible illustrates the sorrow of the captive Jews in Psalm 137, highlighting their longing for Jerusalem and God's presence.
The captives are mocked by their captors, who demand songs from them, a cruel reminder of their former joy in worship. The Jews' response, questioning how they could sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, reflects the despair of being separated from God’s presence and the sacred practices they once held dear. The emotional weight of this passage resonates with anyone who has experienced loss, showcasing how attachment to one's homeland and community can profoundly impact one's spiritual life.
Psalm 137:1-9
Why is the lamentation in Psalm 137 significant for Christians?
Psalm 137 underscores the importance of remembrance and devotion to God, which is vital for Christians even amidst suffering.
For Christians, this sentiment is echoed in the understanding that our ultimate home is with Christ, highlighting the need for constant remembrance of His love and sacrifice. In acknowledging our struggles alongside the sorrowful psalmist, we are pushed to place Christ above all else, ensuring that He remains our chief joy. Moreover, it points to the hope of final restoration for all believers, as expressed in the contrasting fates of the captives and their captors, suggesting that earthly suffering is temporary in light of eternal joy with God.
Psalm 137:4-6
How do we know Psalm 137 teaches about God's justice?
Psalm 137 illustrates God's justice through the contrasting fates of the suffering captives and their oppressors.
The psalmist's concluding lines assert that those who have inflicted suffering will reap the consequences of their actions, underscoring that God's justice will prevail. This offers hope to the faithful, reaffirming that God will not overlook wrongdoing, and it reassures believers that while they may endure hardships now, God will bring about justice and restoration in His perfect timing. The certainty of God's justice serves as a foundation for faith amidst trials, reminding Christians of His sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Psalm 137:7-9
A plaintive ode bewails the misery of the captive Jews. Their devotion to their country is avowed. Woe on their enemies is called down in language of prediction.
1. "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down; yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion."
A pensive group is pictured. We see the mourning captives seated by the banks of the waters of Babylon. Fast flowing tears betoken the anguish of their wounded hearts. Where does this pitiful grief come from? They are removed from their beloved Zion. Their thoughts uncaptured wander through their early haunts. Can reflection fail to weep? Hard are the hearts which mourn not when parted from their native land and the loved ordinances of God's house.
2. "We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof."
The harps once used in public service, and as the solace of their homes, now bring no joy. Their sight awakens pangs of regret. Therefore they hang untouched upon the neighboring trees.
3. "For there those who carried us away captive required of us a song; and those who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion."
Their insulting captors mocked their misery. In derision they bade them tune again their harps, and for amusement to sing as in the happy days of Zion. Tender feeling is a stranger to the hearts of the enemies of God.
4. "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?"
A sad response checks the taunting wish. The pensive captives reply that no melody could proceed from them. They are far distant from their much-loved Zion; and sounds of woe can be their only utterance.
5-6. "If I forget You, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If 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 claims of Jerusalem on the warmest affections are forcibly expressed. It is desired that all intelligence may decline, if Jerusalem ever ceased to be the much-loved object of the heart. Forgetfulness of skill and silent lips should be the lot of those who could prefer any happiness to that of thought of Jerusalem. We should, indeed, rank as unworthy of any blessing, if ever we failed to exalt You, O blessed Jesus, as chief among ten thousand and altogether lovely.
7-9. "Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to its foundations. O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed; happy shall he be, who rewards you as you have served us. Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the stones."
If the final issue be brought into view, it will be seen how happy are the captives as contrasted with their subjugators. The former suffer anguish for a brief period, the latter are doomed to everlasting destruction. Let us bless God that shelter is provided in Christ Jesus from the indignation and wrath ready to fall on mystic Babylon.
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