An Experience of the Captivity.

1By the rivers of Babylon,

There we sat down and wept,

When we remembered Zion.

2Upon the [a]willows in the midst of it

We hung our [b]harps.

3For there our captors [c]demanded of us [d]songs,

And our tormentors, jubilation, saying,

“Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!”

4How can we sing the LORD’S song

In a foreign land?

5If I forget you, Jerusalem,

May my right hand [e]forget its skill.

6May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth

If I do not remember you,

If I do not [f]exalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.

7Remember, LORD, against the sons of Edom

The day of Jerusalem,

Those who said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare

To its foundation!”

8Daughter of Babylon, you [g]devastated one,

Blessed will be one who repays you

With [h]the retribution with which you have repaid us.

9Blessed will be one who seizes and dashes your children

Against the rock.