1 By the rivers of Babylonthere we sat weepingwhen we remembered Zion.
2 On the poplars in its midstwe hung up our harps.
3 For there our captors asked usfor the words of a song;Our tormentors, for joy:“Sing for us a song of Zion!”
4 But how could we sing a song of the Lordin a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,may my right hand forget.
6 May my tongue stick to my palateif I do not remember you,If I do not exalt Jerusalembeyond all my delights.
7 Remember, Lord, against Edomthat day at Jerusalem.They said: “Level it, level itdown to its foundations!”
8 Desolate Daughter Babylon, you shall be destroyed,blessed the one who pays you backwhat you have done us!
9 Blessed the one who seizes your childrenand smashes them against the rock.