Psalms

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

There on the poplarswe hung up our lyres,

for our captors asked us there for songs,our tormentors,atormentors Meaning of Heb. uncertain. for amusement:“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

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

If I forget you, O Jerusalem,let my right hand wither;bwither In contrast to others “forget its cunning.”

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

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

Fair Babylon, you predator,cpredator With Targum; in contrast to others “who are to be destroyed.” a blessing on the one who repays you in kindwhat you have inflicted on us;

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