PSALM 137

Besides Psalm 22 and 23, this is the most dramatic of all the Psalms. The people of Israel captured and carried away to Babylon, their beloved city, Jerusalem or Zion, the symbol of God's promises to them, was laid in ruins ... They are working for their captures and to add insult they are made to sing for them. "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!' Kidnapped, defeated and now humiliated, they lash out with a heart of revenge and hatred. Yet in spite of all the above, they remain confident that God will have the last word. And God did vindicate and rescue them in time. Whatever you face today, know that God is able and willing to bring you through to the other side, where genuine heartfelt songs of joy will come forth!
Here is a lush spot along the Sebastion River.