Psalm 137
Douay-Rheims 1899
Chapter overview
Psalm 137 preserves exiles' grief, cultural pressure, fierce memory, and unresolved anger beside Babylonian rivers. Silenced harps embody refusal to turn sacred song into entertainment while Jerusalem lies lost and unforgotten.
ExileZionGriefMemory
1I will praise thee, O lord, with my whole heart: for thou hast heard the words of my mouth. I will sing praise to thee in the sight of his angels:
2I will worship towards thy holy temple, and I will give glory to thy name. For thy mercy, and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy holy name above all.
3In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me: thou shall multiply strength in my soul.
4May all the kings of the earth give glory to thee: for they have heard all the words of thy mouth.
5And let them sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.
6For the Lord is high, and looketh on the low: and the high he knoweth afar off.
7If I shall walk in the midst of tribulation, thou wilt quicken me: and thou hast stretched forth thy hand against the wrath of my enemies: and thy right hand hath saved me.
8The Lord will repay for me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: O despise not the work of thy hands.
Douay-Rheims 1899 — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.