1 Beside the rivers of Babylonwe thought about Jerusalem,and we sat down and cried.
2 We hung our small harpson the willow trees.
3 Our enemies had brought us hereas their prisoners;now they wanted us to singand entertain them.They insulted us and shouted,“Sing about Zion!”
4 Here in a foreign land,how can we singabout the Lord?
5 Jerusalem, if I forget you,let my right hand go limp.
6 Let my tongue stickto the roof of my mouth,if I don't think about youabove all else.
7 Our Lord, punish the Edomites!On the day Jerusalem fell,they shouted,“Completely destroy the city!Tear down every building!”
8 Babylon, you are doomed!I pray the Lord's blessingson anyone who punishes youfor what you did to us.
9 May the Lord bless everyonewho beats your childrenagainst the rocks!