Psalms 137–138

Psalms 137 and 138 present contrasting but complementary themes centered on Israel's experience of exile and hope in God.

Psalm 137: Lament and Longing for Zion

  • Theme and Context: Psalm 137 is a deeply mournful lament expressing the sorrow of the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who remember Jerusalem ("Zion") with profound grief while sitting by the rivers of Babylon. It captures the emotional and spiritual trauma of captivity, loss of homeland, and longing for restoration.

  • Structure: Scholars commonly divide Psalm 137 into three stanzas:

    • (1-4) The setting and complaint: the exiles weep and express the pain of being asked to sing joyful songs in a foreign land.
    • (5-6) Total commitment and devotion to Jerusalem, affirming remembrance and loyalty.
    • (7-9) Imprecations against Edom and Babylon, calling for divine justice on the enemies of Israel.

  • Literary Elements: The psalm repeatedly uses first-person plural to emphasize communal suffering and identity. The psalmist emphasizes the impossibility of singing the LORD's songs in captivity, expressing a broken spirit. The final verses include harsh imprecations on Babylon, reflecting the raw pain and hope for divine retribution against oppressors.

  • Theological Implications: It embodies the covenantal relationship with God, where remembrance is key both for Israel's identity and for invoking God's justice. The psalm reveals Israel's trust that God will ultimately punish Edom and Babylon as judgment for their actions against Jerusalem and God's people.

  • Cultural and Canonical Placement: Psalm 137 marks a somber pause in the Psalter, reflecting on exile even as subsequent psalms (138-145) focus on restoration and the victorious return of the king and God's protection over Jerusalem.

Psalm 138: Thanksgiving and Praise

  • Theme: Psalm 138 shifts tone to one of prayerful thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and answered prayers. It celebrates God's faithfulness, support in trouble, and exaltation of God's name.

  • Message: The psalmist promises to give thanks before the nations and acknowledges God's humility in hearing the lowly, as well as God's sovereignty over all rulers.

  • Contrast with Psalm 137: While Psalm 137 voices lament over loss and captivity, Psalm 138 moves to praise and confidence in God's preserving love and protection, signaling hope and restoration after exile.

Summary

Together, Psalms 137 and 138 illustrate the trajectory from deep lament and faithful remembrance during exile to thanksgiving and confident trust in God's deliverance and continued presence. Psalm 137 mourns the loss and injustice suffered by Israel, while Psalm 138 praises God who answers prayers and sustains his people, reinforcing faith amid adversity.

Key phrases from Psalm 137 capture its emotional depth:

  • "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion."
  • "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill."
  • "Happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us."

Psalm 138 emphasizes:

  • "I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart."
  • "You have exalted above all things your name and your word."
  • "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life."

These psalms provide a powerful window into the heart of a community grappling with suffering but rooted in covenantal hope.

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