[1] By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
Sat — The usual posture of mourners.
Verse 2
[2] We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
Harps — Harps are here put for all instruments of musick.
Verse 3
[3] 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.
A song — Such songs as you used to sing in the temple of Zion.
Verse 4
[4] How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
The Lord's — Those songs which were appointed by God to be sung only in his service.
Verse 6
[6] 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 — If I do not value Jerusalem's prosperity more than all other delights.
Verse 7
[7] Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
The day — In the time of its destruction.
Verse 8
[8] O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Happy — As being God's instrument to vindicate his honour, and execute his just judgments.
Psalm 137 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
Sat — The usual posture of mourners.
Verse 2
[2] We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
Harps — Harps are here put for all instruments of musick.
Verse 3
[3] 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.
A song — Such songs as you used to sing in the temple of Zion.
Verse 4
[4] How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
The Lord's — Those songs which were appointed by God to be sung only in his service.
Verse 6
[6] 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 — If I do not value Jerusalem's prosperity more than all other delights.
Verse 7
[7] Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
The day — In the time of its destruction.
Verse 8
[8] O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Happy — As being God's instrument to vindicate his honour, and execute his just judgments.