Psalm 137 – God will hone us, His people

Psalm 137 narrates the experience of the people of God while in exile in Babylonian. The unknown author could have written this Psalm while in the captivity or shortly after his return to Jerusalem. We know from Judah’s history that their disobedience led God to use King Nebuchadnezzar to chastise them. In 586 BC, that Chaldean king deported many of Judah’s prominent citizens to Babylon. Those who were taken into captivity in Babylon included professionals, priests, craftsmen, the wealthy and young elites. However, around 538 BC, God graciously engineered their return to Jerusalem through the Persian.   

Besides being a recollection of the Judean’s experiences in captivity, Psalm 137 also contain an imprecatory prayer in verses 7-9. Here the exile implored God to bring curses and judgment upon Babylon, the enemy. The dilemma when we encounter such a prayer is how come it can be found in the Bible, which also tells us to love our enemies at the same time? Let us consider these reasons: firstly, this is righteous indignation against sin and evil. The Lord Jesus Himself displayed this while He was on earth. Secondly, the dominion of the Kingdom of God would mean the utter destruction of evil and wickedness ultimately. So it is understandable that such a prayer should be offered. And thirdly, it was a wish for the obliteration of this evil and oppressive power of the Babylonians, so that they could no longer carry out their cruel and wicked regime.   

In verses 1-4, the Psalmist began lamenting the plight of those in captivity. They sat by the rivers of Babylon meaning the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and wept and lamented. They recalled their beloved Zion and the destruction of Jerusalem, and were overcame by deep sorrow. They lived such lonely, isolated and desolated life, and were constantly mocked and derided by their captors. How could they find joy under such circumstances? Devoid of joy, how could they find the heart to sing? So they hung up their “harps upon the willow.” This is to say that the triumphant song of Zion would seem like a mockery. The depth of their sorrow had overtaken them that they hung up their harp for there was no reason to sing. Jerusalem their beloved city had been destroyed. Their heart yearned to return to their native land, especially to Jerusalem, the city of David, the city of God.

In verses 5-6, the people recollected their plight in captivity. It was an unthinkable thing to forget their beloved city that had now been left desolate. Jerusalem is a symbol of God’s blessing and presence. It was at the center of the desire of the godly, who would rather die than forget that city. What about us today? How deeply do we desire for God’s presence in our life? As the exiles yearned for Jerusalem, may we yearn for God’s presence in our life daily! God’s presence brings the reality of heaven to us. Let us desire His presence. But do remember that disobedience brings with it drastic consequences. We need to exercise caution and be ready to live obediently. Always remember that God is always faithful. Hard times in life allow Him to hone us. And when His intended purpose for our life is done, we shall come forth pure as gold. Glory to His name!