O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us. O Daughter of BabylonThis phrase personifies Babylon as a daughter, a common biblical metaphor that conveys both endearment and identity. In the Hebrew text, "Bat Babel" (בַּת־בָּבֶל) is used, which reflects the city's cultural and spiritual offspring. Babylon, historically, was a powerful empire known for its grandeur and idolatry, often seen as a symbol of opposition to God's people. The term "daughter" suggests a lineage of sin and rebellion against God, echoing the prophetic literature where cities are often depicted as women, either faithful or unfaithful. doomed to destruction
The Hebrew word here is "shadud" (שָׁדוּד), meaning "devastated" or "destroyed." This phrase is a prophetic declaration of Babylon's inevitable downfall. Historically, Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. Theologically, it underscores the biblical principle that nations and powers that oppose God's will and oppress His people are ultimately subject to His judgment. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, assuring believers that evil will not prevail indefinitely. blessed is he
The word "blessed" in Hebrew is "ashrei" (אַשְׁרֵי), which conveys a state of happiness or divine favor. In this context, it suggests that those who act as instruments of God's justice are considered fortunate or favored. This reflects the biblical theme that aligning with God's purposes brings true blessing, even when it involves difficult or challenging actions. It challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice, even when it is not immediately apparent. who repays you
The concept of repayment here is rooted in the Hebrew word "shalam" (שָׁלַם), meaning "to make whole" or "to recompense." This reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God ensures that justice is served. In the context of Psalm 137, it speaks to the longing for justice by those who have suffered under Babylonian oppression. It is a call for divine intervention to restore balance and righteousness, reminding believers that God is a God of justice who will right the wrongs of this world. as you have done to us
This phrase emphasizes the principle of measure-for-measure justice, a recurring theme in Scripture. The Hebrew "gemul" (גְּמוּל) implies a recompense or reward based on one's actions. Historically, the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its people, and this verse reflects a desire for equivalent justice. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living righteously. For believers, it underscores the hope that God will ultimately vindicate His people and restore justice, encouraging them to remain faithful amidst trials. Persons / Places / Events 1. Daughter of BabylonThis term refers to the city of Babylon, personified as a woman. Babylon was a significant empire known for its conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian exile of the Jewish people. 2. Babylonian ExileA pivotal event in Jewish history where the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, taking many Israelites captive to Babylon. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of God who were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. This psalm reflects their longing for justice and the restoration of their homeland. 4. The PsalmistThe author of Psalm 137, who expresses the deep sorrow and desire for retribution felt by the Israelites during their exile. 5. Divine JusticeThe concept of God’s righteous judgment, which is a central theme in this verse, as the psalmist calls for retribution against Babylon. Teaching Points Understanding Divine JusticeRecognize that God's justice is perfect and righteous, even when human emotions call for retribution. Trust in God's timing and methods for dealing with wrongs. The Danger of BitternessWhile the desire for justice is natural, harboring bitterness can be spiritually damaging. Seek God's help to forgive and release personal vendettas. Hope in God's PromisesThe psalm reflects a deep hope in God's promises to restore and vindicate His people. Hold onto the hope that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Reflecting on God's SovereigntyAcknowledge God's sovereignty over nations and history. He raises and brings down empires according to His divine plan. Praying for EnemiesJesus teaches us to pray for our enemies. While the psalmist calls for retribution, Christians are called to love and pray for those who persecute them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of Psalm 137:8? 2. In what ways can we reconcile the call for retribution in Psalm 137:8 with Jesus' teaching to love our enemies? 3. How does the theme of divine justice in Psalm 137:8 connect with other biblical passages about God's judgment? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid bitterness while still seeking justice in our own lives? 5. How can we find hope and encouragement in God's sovereignty when facing personal or communal injustices today? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 51This chapter prophesies the fall of Babylon, echoing the themes of divine justice and retribution found in Psalm 137:8. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is symbolically revisited, representing the ultimate defeat of evil and the vindication of God's people. Deuteronomy 32:35This verse speaks of God's vengeance and recompense, aligning with the theme of divine justice in Psalm 137:8. People David, Edomites, PsalmistPlaces BabylonTopics Babylon, Blessed, Daughter, Deed, Destroyed, Destruction, Devastated, Devastator, Doomed, Fate, Happiness, Happy, Hast, Laid, Meted, O, Recompense, Rendereth, Repaid, Repayeth, Repays, Requites, Rewardeth, Rewards, Served, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 137:8 5674 daughters Psalm 137:1-9 4215 Babylon
5945 self-pity Psalm 137:7-9 6040 sinners Psalm 137:8-9 5493 retribution
5496 revenge, examples Library Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of ClairvauxThe Captivity.
"Is this the city that men call the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?"--Larn. ii. 15. Manasseh's son, Amon, undid all the reformation of his latter years, and brought back idolatry; and indeed, the whole Jewish people had become so corrupt, that even when Amon was murdered in 642, after only reigning two years, and better days came back with the good Josiah, it was with almost all of them only a change of the outside, and not of the heart. Josiah was but eight years old when he …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Third Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 11-20. 11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
In this Commandment too a good work is commanded, which includes much and drives away much vice; it is called purity, or chastity, of which much is written and preached, and it is well known to every one, only that it is not as carefully observed and practised as other works which are not commanded. So ready are we to do what is not commanded and to leave undone what is commanded. We see that the world is full of shameful works of unchastity, indecent words, tales and ditties, temptation to which …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works In Judaea
If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
In this third part I shall speak of the sacrament of penance. By the tracts and disputations which I have published on this subject I have given offence to very many, and have amply expressed my own opinions. I must now briefly repeat these statements, in order to unveil the tyranny which attacks us on this point as unsparingly as in the sacrament of the bread. In these two sacraments gain and lucre find a place, and therefore the avarice of the shepherds has raged to an incredible extent against …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 137:8 NIVPsalm 137:8 NLTPsalm 137:8 ESVPsalm 137:8 NASBPsalm 137:8 KJV
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