Psalms Chapter 137

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, etc.] If by Babylon is meant the country, then the rivers of it are Chebar, Ulai, Tigris, Euphrates, and others; (see <260101>Ezekiel 1:1 <270802>Daniel 8:2); but if the city itself, then only Euphrates, which ran through it; and is expressed by rivers, because of the largeness of it, and because of the several canals cut out of it, for the service of the city; hence Babylon is said to dwell upon many waters, (<245113>Jeremiah 51:13); upon the banks whereof the captive Jews were; either through choice, where they could be alone, and mourn their fate, indulge their…”

“The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief. (Psa 140:1-13) evil man--Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.”

“By the rivers of Babylon - The streams, the water-courses, the rivulets. There was properly only one river flowing through Babylon - the Euphrates; but the city was watered, as Damascus now is, by means of canals or water-courses cut from the main river, and conveying the water to different parts of the city. For a description of Babylon, see the introductory notes to Isaiah 13:0. If the reference here is to Babylon proper, or the city, the allusion would be to the Euphrates flowing through it; if to Babylonia, the allusion would be to the Euphrates, and the other rivers which watered the country, as the Tigris,…”

“Sat - The usual posture of mourners. Psalms 137:2”

“Ps 137 In response to the pain of exile (137:1-4), the psalmist resolves to remember Jerusalem even though the memories cause him pain (137:4-6). He also writes an astounding imprecation, or prayer for vengeance (137:7-9).”

“am cir, 3463, bc cir, 541 (Title), The author of this beautiful and affecting elegy is unknown, but the occasion is evident; and it was most probably composed during, or near the close of, the captivity. the rivers: Gen 2:10-14; Ezr 8:21, Ezr 8:31; Eze 1:1, there sat, Neh 1:3, Neh 1:4, Neh 2:3; Job 2:12, Job 2:13; Jer 13:17, Jer 13:18, Jer 15:17; Lam 2:10; Eze 3:15 we wept: Psa 42:4, Psa 102:9-14; Isa 66:10; Jer 51:50, Jer 51:51; Lam 1:16, Lam 2:11, Lam 2:18, Lam 3:48, Lam 3:51; Dan 9:3, Dan 10:2, Dan 10:3; Luk 19:41; Rev 11:3 Psalms 137:2”

“Beginning with perfects, the Psalm has the appearance of being a Psalm not belonging to the Exile, but written in memory of the Exile. The bank of a river, like the seashore, is a favourite place of sojourn of those whom deep grief drives forth from the bustle of men into solitude. The boundary line of the river gives to solitude a safe back; the monotonous splashing of the waves keeps up the dull, melancholy alternation of thoughts and feelings; and at the same time the sight of the cool, fresh water exercises a soothing influence upon the consuming fever within the heart. The rivers of Babylon are here those of…”