Commentary on Psalms - Volume 5

1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, Yea we wept when we remembered thee, O Zion!

2Upon the willows, in the midst thereof, We hanged our harps.

3Then they required of us, they who carried us away captive, the words of a song, And, when we were in suspense, mirth, [Saying] Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

4How shall we sing the song of Jehovah, In a strange land?

5If I shall forget thee, O Jerusalem! Forget let my right hand [its cunning.]

6Cleave let my tongue to my palate, If I do not remember thee, If I do not raise Jerusalem above my highest joy. ⁴⁰⁰

7Remember, O Jehovah! the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem: ‘Who said, “Lay it bare — “Lay it bare, even to the foundations thereof.”

8O daughter of Babylon laid waste! Happy he who shall repay thee The retribution with which thou hast retributed us!

9Happy he who shall take And dash thy little ones against the stones.