Psalm 137 · An den Strömen von Babel

1By the rivers of Babylon,there we sat,sat and wept,as we thought of Zion.

2There on the poplarswe hung up our lyres,

3for our captors asked us there for songs,our tormentors, for amusement:“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

4How can we sing a song of GOD on alien soil?

5If I forget you, O Jerusalem,let my right hand wither;

6let my tongue stick to my palateif I cease to think of you,if I do not keep Jerusalem in memoryeven at my happiest hour.

7Remember, O ETERNAL One, against the Edomitesthe day of Jerusalem’s fall;how they cried, “Strip her, strip herto her very foundations!”

8Fair Babylon, you predator, a blessing on the one who repays you in kindwhat you have inflicted on us;

9a blessing on the one who seizes your babiesand dashes them against the rocks!