Psalms 137

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Israelites weeping by the rivers of Babylon, remembering Zion and hanging their harps on the willows, refusing to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land (Psalms 137:1-4). It then expresses a vow to remember Jerusalem above all joys and to prioritize the Lord's praise, cursing those who would forget or harm Jerusalem (Psalms 137:5-6). The chapter concludes with a plea for vengeance against the Edomites and the Babylonians for their role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the Israelites (Psalms 137:7-9). This summary encapsulates the Israelites' sorrow, their commitment to their faith and heritage, and their desire for justice.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 137 is set during the Babylonian exile, a period of significant upheaval and trauma for the Israelites. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Psalms as a book that explores the wide range of human emotions and experiences in relation to God. It also connects to the broader biblical story of God's covenant with Israel, the importance of worship and remembrance, and the ultimate redemption of God's people. Understanding this context is crucial for appreciating the depth of the Israelites' longing and the significance of their expressions of faith and desire for justice.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to reflect on their own sense of displacement and longing in a world that is not their true home. It reminds us of the importance of prioritizing worship and maintaining a strong sense of community and identity in Christ, even in the face of adversity. The chapter also prompts us to consider our response to hardship and injustice, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 137 is about the Israelites feeling sad and homesick in Babylon, missing their home in Jerusalem and struggling to worship God in a foreign land (Psalms 137:1-4). They remember their city and their God, promising not to forget Jerusalem and to always prioritize the Lord's praise (Psalms 137:5-6). The chapter teaches us about the importance of worship, community, and remembering our spiritual heritage, even when we face difficulties and feel like strangers in the world.

Voices from the Church

“The song of the Lord is a special gift, and when we are in the wilderness, it is hard to sing it. But even in Babylon, we must find a way to praise God, for He is our strength and our salvation.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Israelites' refusal to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land was not a sign of disobedience but of their deep reverence for God and their awareness that true worship cannot be divorced from the community and the covenant.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: Lamentation in Exile (Psalms 137:1-3) — The Israelites weep by the rivers of Babylon, remembering Zion and refusing to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, highlighting their deep emotional and spiritual struggle.
2. Commitment to Remember Jerusalem (Psalms 137:4-6) — The Israelites express a vow to remember Jerusalem above all joys and to prioritize the Lord's praise, demonstrating their faithfulness to God and their heritage.
3. Plea for Vengeance (Psalms 137:7-9) — The chapter concludes with a plea for vengeance against the Edomites and the Babylonians, revealing the Israelites' desire for justice and their trust in God as the avenger of His people.
4. Theological Significance — The chapter underscores the importance of worship, remembrance, and the connection to one's spiritual heritage, foreshadowing themes of exile, redemption, and the longing for a heavenly homeland that are fulfilled in Christ.
5. Application and Reflection — Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own sense of displacement and longing, prioritizing worship and community, and trusting in God's sovereignty and justice in the face of adversity.

Core Doctrines

Worship

Psalms 137 emphasizes the importance of worship as a fundamental aspect of the relationship between God and His people, highlighting the challenge of maintaining worship in adverse circumstances.

Exile and Redemption

The chapter foreshadows the themes of exile and redemption, pointing to the ultimate restoration of God's people and the fulfillment of these themes in Christ.

Faithfulness

The Israelites' commitment to remember Jerusalem and prioritize the Lord's praise demonstrates their faithfulness to God and their heritage, despite the challenges of their situation.

Justice and Vengeance

The plea for vengeance against the Edomites and the Babylonians reflects the Israelites' trust in God as the avenger of His people and their desire for justice, highlighting God's role as a righteous judge.

Lessons from Psalms 137

1. The Importance of Worship — Worship is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God and a source of comfort and strength in times of adversity.
2. Faithfulness in Adversity — The Israelites' commitment to remember Jerusalem and prioritize the Lord's praise demonstrates the importance of faithfulness to God and His covenant, even in challenging circumstances.
3. Longing for a Heavenly Homeland — The chapter's themes of exile and redemption foreshadow the Christian's longing for a heavenly homeland, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and look forward to their ultimate restoration.
4. Trust in God's Justice — The plea for vengeance against the Edomites and the Babylonians reflects the Israelites' trust in God as the avenger of His people, teaching us to trust in God's justice and righteousness.
5. Community and Identity in Christ — The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and maintaining a strong sense of identity in Christ, especially in the face of adversity and displacement.

Themes from Psalms 137

1. Exile and Longing — The chapter explores the themes of exile, displacement, and the deep longing for one's homeland and spiritual heritage.
2. Worship and Praise — Worship is highlighted as a critical aspect of the Israelites' relationship with God, and their struggle to worship in a foreign land underscores its importance.
3. Faithfulness and Covenant — The Israelites' commitment to remember Jerusalem and prioritize the Lord's praise reflects their faithfulness to God and His covenant, emphasizing the significance of covenant loyalty.
4. Justice and Vengeance — The chapter touches on the themes of justice and vengeance, reflecting the Israelites' desire for God to avenge them and highlighting God's character as a righteous judge.
5. Redemption and Restoration — The chapter foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration of God's people, pointing to the fulfillment of these themes in Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem.

Questions for Meditation

1. How do you handle feelings of sadness and homesickness, and what role does worship play in these moments?
2. In what ways can you prioritize the Lord's praise and maintain a strong sense of community and identity in Christ, even in challenging circumstances?
3. How does the theme of exile and redemption in Psalms 137 relate to your personal experience of displacement or hardship, and how can you find comfort in God's promises of restoration?
4. What does the chapter teach about the importance of remembering and honoring God's covenant and the heritage of His people, and how can you apply this in your life?
5. How does the plea for vengeance in the chapter reflect the desire for justice, and what does this say about God's character as a righteous judge?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 137

	Sermon	Description
	John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old
	Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends,
	Preparing to Sing in a Difficult Time by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their lack of passion and fruitfulness in sharing the message of Christ. They express a deep desire for forgiveness and a longing to be empo
	Such as I Have by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a consuming passion for Jesus Christ. He shares a story of a man who dedicates his life to teaching others about God
	Grace of God (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1999) by Eric J. Alexander	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the context of the people of Israel being exiled in Babylon due to their persistent disobedience and failure to listen to God. However, the pr
	The Sweetness of Knowing Christ by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who finds himself in a room with a dog after being beaten and tied up. The man is initially afraid of the dog, but as they sp
	The Continuing Work of Christ 04 Messages From the Acts by Robert Constable	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and His plan, even when we don't understand the circumstances we are facing. The story of Paul's journ
	(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons	Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be
	The Prayer for Revival (Psalm 89) by Maurice Roberts	Maurice Roberts emphasizes the weakness in prayer in modern times, attributing it to the neglect of Scripture, resulting in prayers falling short of biblical standards. He highligh

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 137

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 137 reflects on the deep sorrow and longing of the Israelites in Babylon, highlighting their faithfulness to God and their heritage despite the challenges of their situation. Henry notes the importance of remembering and honoring God's covenant, emphasizing the significance of worship and community in the life of believers. He also discusses the plea for vengeance, underscoring God's role as a righteous judge who will avenge His people. Throughout the commentary, Henry draws parallels with the New Testament, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem, and encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and look forward to their eternal home. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?