1By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down , yea , we wept , When we remembered Zion . 2Upon the willows in the midst thereof We hanged up our harps . 3For there they that led us captive required of us songs , And they that wasted us required of us mirth , saying , Sing us one of the songs of Zion .
The Mockery of the Captors
4How shall we sing Jehovah ’s song In a foreign land? 5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem , Let my right hand forget her skill . 6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth , If I remember thee not ; If I prefer not Jerusalem Above my chief joy .
A Call to Remember Zion
7Remember , O Jehovah , against the children of Edom The day of Jerusalem ; Who said, Rase it , rase it , Even to the foundation thereof. 8O daughter of Babylon, that art to be destroyed , Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee As thou hast served us. 9Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones Against the rock .