1371 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
1371 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
1371 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
1371 Alongside Babylon's rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried, remembering the good old days in Zion.
1371 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion.
1371 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.
2 There on the poplars we hung our harps,
2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
2 On the willows
2 Alongside the quaking aspens we stacked our unplayed harps;
2 We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it.
2 We put away our harps, hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.
(Read Psalm 137:1-4)
Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane, for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 137:1
Commentary on Psalm 137:1-4
(Read Psalm 137:1-4)
Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane, for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.