1371 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept, When we remembered Zion. 2 Upon the willows in the midst thereof We hanged up our harps. 3 For there they that led us captive required of us songs, And they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing Jehovah's song In a foreign land?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 137:1-4
Commentary on Psalm 137:1-4
(Read Psalm 137:1-4)
Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane, for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.