Chapter 137

137:1By the rivers of Babylon-
there we sat down and wept
when we remembered Zion.
2There we hung up our lyres
on the poplar trees,
3for our captors there asked us for songs,
and our tormentors, for rejoicing:
"Sing us one of the songs of Zion."
4How can we sing the Lord's song
on foreign soil?
5If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill.
6May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!
7Remember, Lord, what the Edomites said
that day at Jerusalem:
"Destroy it! Destroy it
down to its foundations!"
8Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,
happy is the one who pays you back
what you have done to us.
9Happy is he who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rocks.

Chapter 138

138:1I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings.
2I will bow down toward Your holy temple
and give thanks to Your name
for Your constant love and truth.
You have exalted Your name
and Your promise above everything else.
3On the day I called, You answered me;
You increased strength within me.
4All the kings on earth will give You thanks, Lord,
when they hear what You have promised.
5They will sing of the Lord's ways,
for the Lord's glory is great.
6Though the Lord is exalted,
He takes note of the humble;
but He knows the haughty from a distance.
7If I walk into the thick of danger,
You will preserve my life
from the anger of my enemies.
You will extend Your hand;
Your right hand will save me.
8The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
Lord, Your love is eternal;
do not abandon the work of Your hands.