Longing for Zion in a Foreign Land
1 By the rivers of Babylon,
There we sat down, yea, we wept
When we remembered Zion.
1 By the rivers of Babylon,
There we sat down, yea, we wept
When we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our harps
Upon the willows in the midst of it.
Upon the willows in the midst of it.
3 For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song,
And those who plundered us requested mirth,
Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
And those who plundered us requested mirth,
Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song
In a foreign land?
In a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand forget its skill!
Let my right hand forget its skill!
6 If I do not remember you,
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth —
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy.
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth —
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy.
7 Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom
The day of Jerusalem,
Who said, [a]“Raze it, raze it,
To its very foundation!”
The day of Jerusalem,
Who said, [a]“Raze it, raze it,
To its very foundation!”
8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock!
Your little ones against the rock!