1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and weptas we thought of Jerusalem.
2 We put away our harps,hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.
3 For our captors demanded a song from us.Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn:“Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!”
4 But how can we sing the songs of the lordwhile in a pagan land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,let my right hand forget how to play the harp.
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouthif I fail to remember you,if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.
7 O lord, remember what the Edomites didon the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem.“Destroy it!” they yelled.“Level it to the ground!”
8 O Babylon, you will be destroyed.Happy is the one who pays you backfor what you have done to us.
9 Happy is the one who takes your babiesand smashes them against the rocks!