Psalms 137

Psalms 137:1

THere was sate down] That is, we abode a long time: and albeit that the countrey was pleasant, yet could it not stay our tears, nor turn us from the true service of God: or, sate down as men oppressed with grief, Ezra 9:3. Lamentations 3:28.

remembred Zion] Psal. 42. 4, 6. and 102. 14. Lamentations 1:7.

Psalms 137:2

in the midst thereof] To wit, of that countrey.

Psalms 137:3

required of us a song] The Babylonians spake thus in mocking us, as though, by our silence, we should signifie that we hoped no more in God.

a song] Heb. the words of a song.

wasted us] Heb. laid us on heaps.

Psalms 137:4

strange land] Heb. land of a stranger.

Psalms 137:5

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem] Albeit the faithfull are touched with their particular griefs, yet the common sorrow of the Church is most grievous unto them, and is such, as they cannot but remember and lament.

Psalms 137:6

above my chief joy] The decay of Gods religion in their countrey was so grievous, that no joy could make them glad, except it were restored; and then they would rejoyce as much as now they grieved.

my chief joy] Heb. the head of my joy.

Psalms 137:7

the children of Edom] Obad. 10, &c. According as, Ezekiel 25:13. Jeremiah 49:7. is prophesies: and Obad. v. 10. sheweth, that the Edomites conspired with the Babylonians against the Jews.

in the day of Jerusalem] When thou didst visit Jerusalem, Ezekiel 7:12. Isaiah 13:13.

Rase it] Heb. make bare.

Psalms 137:8

destroyed] Heb. wasted.

that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us] Heb. that recompenseth unto thee thy deed which thou didst to us.

Psalms 137:9

Happie shall he be that taketh] He alludeth to the prophecie, Isaiah 13:16. promising good successe to Cyrus and Darius, whom though ambition moved to fight against Babylon, yet God used, as his rods, to punish his enemies, for their cruelty to his people.

dasheth thy little ones against the stones] Isaiah 13:16.

the stones] Heb. the rock.