137:7The Edomites were related to the Israelites, both nations having descended from Isaac and his father, Abraham. Although Israet shared its southern border with Edom, there was bitter hatred between the two nations. The Edomites did not come to help when the city of Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonian army. In fact, they rejoiced when the city was destroyed (Jeremiah 49:7-22; Joel 3:19; Obadiah 1:1-21).
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 137
Psalm 137
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 987, 988
137Psalm 137
2We put away our harps,hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.
3For our captors demanded a song from us.Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn:“Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”
4But how can we sing the songs of the LORDwhile in a pagan land?
5If I forget you, O Jerusalem,let my right hand forget how to play the harp.
6May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouthif I fail to remember you,if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.
7O LORD, remember what the Edomites didon the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem.“Destroy it!” they yelled.“Level it to the ground!”
8O Babylon, you will be destroyed.Happy is the one who pays you backfor what you have done to us.
9Happy is the one who takes your babiesand smashes them against the rocks!
Theme: Thanksgiving for answered prayer. God works out his plans will bring us through the difficulties we face. P I
Author: David
13 8 A psalm of David.1 T give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;
Textual footnotes
- 137:1 Hebrew Zion; also in 137:3.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
137:8,9God destroyed Babylon and its offspring for their proud assault against God and his Kingdom. The Medes and Persians destroyed Babylon in 539 B.C. Many of those who were oppressed lived to see the victory. The phrase about the babies is harsh because the writer is crying out for judgment: “Treat the Babyionians the way they treated us.”
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Study feature · page 988
God
Study feature · page 988
Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true. But to make the most of life, we must include God’s plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us; he alone can fulfill his purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.