[1] Beside the rivers of Babylon we thought about Jerusalem, and we sat down and cried. [2] We hung our small harps on the willow trees. [3] Our enemies had brought us here as their prisoners, and now they wanted us to sing and entertain them. They insulted us and shouted, "Sing about Zion!" [4] Here in a foreign land, how can we sing about the LORD? [5] Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand go limp. [6] Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I don't think about you above all else. [7] Our LORD, punish the Edomites! Because the day Jerusalem fell, they shouted, "Completely destroy the city! Tear down every building!" [8] Babylon, you are doomed! I pray the Lord's blessings on anyone who punishes you for what you did to us. [9] May the Lord bless everyone who beats your children against the rocks!
