Psalms 137

NEW JERUSALEM	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept at the memory of Zion.	1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat mourning and weeping when we remembered Zion.
2 On the poplars there we had hung up our harps.	2 On the poplars of that land we hung up our harps.
3 For there our gaolers had asked us to sing them a song, our captors to make merry, 'Sing us one ofthe songs of Zion.'	3 There our captors asked us for the words of a song; Our tormentors, for a joyful song: "Sing for us a song of Zion!"
4 How could we sing a song of Yahweh on alien soil?	4 But how could we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand wither!	5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand wither.
6 May my tongue remain stuck to my palate if I do not keep you in mind, if I do not count Jerusalem thegreatest of my joys.	6 May my tongue stick to my palate if I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem beyond all my delights.
7 Remember, Yahweh, to the Edomites' cost, the day of Jerusalem, how they said, 'Down with it! Raseit to the ground!'	7 Remember, LORD, against Edom that day at Jerusalem. They said: "Level it, level it down to its foundations!"
8 Daughter of Babel, doomed to destruction, a blessing on anyone who treats you as you treated us,	8 Fair Babylon, you destroyer, happy those who pay you back the evil you have done us!
9 a blessing on anyone who seizes your babies and shatters them against a rock!	9 Happy those who seize your children and smash them against a rock.