Study Desk

By the rivers of Babylon^(a) we sat and wept^(b) when we remembered Zion.^(c)

There on the poplars^(d) we hung our harps,^(e)

for there our captors^(f) asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded^(g) songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"^(h)

How can we sing the songs of the Lord ⁽ⁱ⁾ while in a foreign land?

If I forget you,^(j) Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.

May my tongue cling to the roof^(k) of my mouth if I do not remember^(l) you, if I do not consider Jerusalem^(m) my highest joy.

Remember, Lord , what the Edomites⁽ⁿ⁾ did on the day Jerusalem fell.^(o) "Tear it down," they cried, "tear it down to its foundations!"^(p)

Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,^(q) happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us.

Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them^(r) against the rocks.

Of David.

I will praise you, Lord , with all my heart; before the "gods"^(a) I will sing^(b) your praise.

I will bow down toward your holy temple^(c) and will praise your name^(d) for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,^(e) for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.^(f)

When I called,^(g) you answered me;^(h) you greatly emboldened⁽ⁱ⁾ me.

May all the kings of the earth^(j) praise you, Lord , when they hear what you have decreed.

May they sing^(k) of the ways of the Lord , for the glory of the Lord ^(l) is great.

Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;^(m) though lofty, he sees them⁽ⁿ⁾ from afar.

Though I walk^(o) in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.^(p) You stretch out your hand^(q) against the anger of my foes;^(r) with your right hand^(s) you save me.^(t)

The Lord will vindicate^(u) me; your love, Lord , endures forever^(v)— do not abandon^(w) the works of your hands.^(x)