BibleWord.ai› Bible› Psalms› Chapter 137› Verse 9

Psalms 137:9

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 137:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones Against the rock. Psalm 138 A [Psalm] of David.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones Against the rock. Psalm 138 A [Psalm] of David.
Psalms 137:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 137

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, If I remember thee not; If I prefer not Jerusalem Above my chief joy.
7Remember, O Jehovah, against the children of Edom The day of Jerusalem; Who said, Rase it, rase it, Even to the foundation thereof.
8O daughter of Babylon, that art to be destroyed, Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee As thou hast served us.
9Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones Against the rock. Psalm 138 A [Psalm] of David.
← Psalms 137:8Psalms 138:1 →
← Full Chapter 137 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Happy shall he be that taketh ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, rock. This refers to what was not uncommon in ancient warfare, as it is now among savage tribes - the indiscriminate slaughter of those of all ages, and of both sexes, in war. It was expressly foretold of Babylon that this would occur (see Isaiah 13:16, and the notes at that place), and there may be a reference here to that prediction, and the psalmist may mean to say that the man would be accounted happy, or would be happy, who wreaked vengeance on Babylon in carrying out that prophecy. The idea is, “This will certainly occur, for it is foretold, and happy or fortunate will he be who is the instrument in fulfilling it.” Compare 2…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and dasheth: Isa 13:16; Hos 10:14, Hos 13:16 the stones: Heb. the rock Next: Psalms Chapter 138”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Psalms 137 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification