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PSALM 137
THE ARGUMENT
The penman of this Psalm is uncertain; the occasion of it was unquestionably the consideration of the Babylonish captivity; and it seems to have been composed either during the time of that captivity, or presently after their deliverance out of it.
The sad complaint of the Jews in captivity, Psa_137:1-3. Of the scoffing of their enemies, yet their constancy to remember Jerusalem, Psa_137:4-6. Judgments imprecated upon Edom and Babylon, Psa_137:7-9.
Rivers of Babylon; either,
1. Of the city of Babylon, and then the river is Euphrates, here called rivers for its greatness, and by a common enallage of the plural for the singular, as Tigris also is, Nah_2:6, yea, and Jordan, Psa_74:15. Or,
2. Of the territory of Babylon, in which there were many rivers, as Euphrates, which also was divided into several streams or rivulets; and Tigris and others. Here they were either by the appointment of their lords for the making or repairing of the works beside the river; or by choice, retiring themselves thither from the noise and observation of their enemies, as they had opportunity, that they might disburden their oppressed minds before the Lord.
We sat down; the usual posture of mourners, Ezr_9:4, &c.; Job_2:13 Isa_47:1,5.
When we remembered Zion; either,
1. Our former enjoyments in Zion, which greatly aggravated their present misery, Lam_1:7. Or,
2. Zion’s present desolations and pollutions.