Remember and React
Psalm 137
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
Psalm 137 is a powerful expression of grief, longing, and the struggle for faith in the midst of oppression. Written in response to the Babylonian exile, it captures the collective sorrow and hope of the Jewish people forced from their homeland.
1. Vow to Play for Jerusalem only (Psalm 137: 1–3).
The exiles sat by the rivers of Babylon, such as the Euphrates and Tigris, overwhelmed by sadness. Their captors demanded songs of Zion for entertainment, but the Israelites could not sing out of joy in a foreign land. Instead, their harps hung unused on the willow trees, symbolizing the depth of their grief and the impossibility of worshipping wholeheartedly in captivity.
2. Vow to Remember Jerusalem (Psalm 137: 4–6).
Despite the Babylonians’ cruel requests, the exiles refused to treat their sacred songs as mere performances. Singing the Lord’s songs was an act of worship, not entertainment. They vowed never to forget Jerusalem, declaring that forgetting would mean losing their greatest joy and even their ability to make music. Jerusalem remained at the center of their identity and faith.
3. Vow to Remember Justice Against Nations (Psalm 137: 7–9).
The psalmist calls on God to remember the Edomites, who betrayed Israel during Jerusalem’s fall, refusing asylum and even encouraging destruction. Obadiah’s prophecy centers on this treachery. The psalmist also prays for justice against Babylon, whose brutality included atrocities against the vulnerable. The harsh language about retribution reflects the depth of pain experienced and is best understood as an emotional cry for justice, not a theological endorsement of violence.
Conclusion
While Psalm 137 expresses a desire for justice and even vengeance, Christians are called to a higher standard through Christ. The New Testament teaches us to leave vengeance to God, to pray for our enemies, and to seek reconciliation rather than retribution. Even in pain and oppression, we are invited to trust God for deliverance and to let our response reflect Christlike love. When you experience oppression or sorrow, do you turn to God for deliverance and renewed joy? How do your responses to enemies or those who wrong you reflect your faith in Christ?