1 By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and criedas we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our lyres on willow trees.
3 It was there that those who had captured us demanded that we sing.Those who guarded us wanted us to entertain them.⌊They said,⌋ “Sing a song from Zion for us!”
4 How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,let my right hand forget ⌊how to play the lyre⌋.
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouthif I don’t remember you,if I don’t consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
7 O Lord, remember the people of Edom.Remember what they did the day Jerusalem ⌊was captured⌋.They said, “Tear it down! Tear it down to its foundation.”
8 You destructive people of Babylon,blessed is the one who pays you backwith the same treatment you gave us.
9 Blessed is the one who grabs your little childrenand smashes them against a rock.