Psalm 137
Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Psalmist describe the emotional state of the Israelites in exile?

2. How can the Israelites' struggle to sing songs of joy in a foreign land be related to modern experiences of displacement and exile?

3. How does the Psalmist express the depth of his longing for Jerusalem?

4. What role does memory play in this Psalm, and how is it connected to the idea of identity?

5. How can the Psalmist's reaction to the Edomites be interpreted in the context of the larger biblical narrative?

6. In what ways does this Psalm reflect the difficulties of worshiping God amidst suffering?

7. How do you reconcile the Psalmist's blessing of vengeance with the New Testament teachings on forgiveness?

8. What modern situations might make it difficult for individuals to "sing the Lord's song"?

9. How does this Psalm contribute to our understanding of faith as a communal experience?

10. How might the Psalmist's insistence on not forgetting Jerusalem inform the way we remember our own spiritual experiences?

11. In what ways can we apply the concept of "remembering Zion" in our present-day lives?

12. How might you respond if asked to rejoice or express your faith in a situation of extreme adversity?

13. What can Psalm 137 teach us about the complex emotions involved in dealing with loss and displacement?

14. How does the notion of justice and retribution appear in this Psalm? How does it relate to current understandings of justice?

15. How does Psalm 137 challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's character?

16. If you were in a similar situation to the Psalmist, how would you react?

17. What can we learn from the Psalmist's devotion to his homeland and faith?

18. In what ways does the Psalmist's struggle mirror challenges faced by today's believers?

19. How can the concept of "captive in a foreign land" be metaphorically interpreted in a personal spiritual journey?

20. How can Psalm 137 help believers find a voice for their anger or suffering in their relationship with God?



Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions


Psalm 136
Top of Page
Top of Page