Psalm 137

Mourning and cursing.

In captivity, having lost their beloved city and been forced into exile in Babylon, the children of Israel mourn and weep.  Their captors taunt them with requests for the songs of Zion (Psalms that praise Zion's strength and protection).  But they cannot comply.  Their sadness overwhelms them, and the answer seems to be tat if they cannot sing (truthfully) of Zion, then any singing would be pointless.

Curses are called down upon he Edomites, who cheered for the demise of Jerusalem.  God will remember.

And Curses are called upon Babylon, in that those who repay her evils upon her will be blessed of God.

Verse 9 is difficult.  It seems quite harsh, but the RSB references Is 13:16.    Here God Himself is speaking judgement against Babylon....and speaks the same language.  Perhaps the Israelites were reminding God of His own words, rather than rashly speaking judgment themselves.

Also,   I have a note in my Bible, probably from a Sunday School class in which we studied the Psalms......in Hebrew, "little ones" is more a relational term than age related, so could be referring to all who follow Babylon.

Also, of note to me was a note in the NKJV study bible on verses 4-6.  "How shall we sing in the desperate situations of life? By recalling God's mercies in Psalm 136."    Yes!

Ah......desperate situations.   I've had a few, but not many really.   Recently, though, I was asked a question by my medical doctor that threw me for a loop.   He was examining me for various complaints, including fatigue, chest pain, and minor other symptoms, and out of the clear blue, looked at me and asked, "are you depressed?"  I was taken aback......didn't know what to say.  But I have thought long and hard on it, and he may have a point.  A lot has changed, friends have left, situations have shifted, and I have been working hard in prayer over several issues.  Perhaps,  depression is part of the problem.  But I think, that if this is so, I am handling it as I should.  Pressing on to do what is required, no matter what I feel like .    If I am depressed, it hasn't hindered me from going to God in prayer, indeed it has chased me there!  And I will remember.....all that He has done.   His steadfast love endures forever, indeed!