[1] By the rivers in Babylon we sat and cried when we remembered Jerusalem. [2] On the poplar trees nearby we hung our harps. [3] Those who captured us asked us to sing. Our enemies wanted happy songs. They said, "Sing us a Temple song from Jerusalem!" [4] But we cannot sing songs about the Lord while we are in this foreign country! [5] Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand lose its skill. [6] Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you. Let these things happen if I do not think about Jerusalem as my greatest joy. [7] Lord, remember what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said, "Tear it down! Tear it down to its foundations!" [8] People of Babylon, you will be destroyed. The people who pay you back will be happy. They will punish you for what you did to us. [9] They will grab your babies and throw them against the rocks.
