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Day 341

Psalm 137:7a "Remember, O LORD..."

Day 341 – Psalm 137

“Remember, O LORD…” Psalm 137:7a

STRONG AND BITTER MEMORIES

There were two powerful and sad memories that could not be erased from memory when Jerusalem fell. Strong imprecatory words were uttered in prayer against these two nations.

“Remember, O LORD, against the sons of Edom
The day of Jerusalem,
Who said, ‘Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!’
O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock!”
Psalm 137:7-9

1. The nations named

a) Edom
i) This line came from Esau.
ii) Edom relished the destruction of Jerusalem.
iii) It gloated over Jerusalem when it was burned to the ground.
iv) The prophet Obadiah preached the destruction of the nation because of this sin
(Obadiah).
b) Babylon (Called “Daughter of Babylon”)
i) It prided itself as a delicate lady, hence the phrase “Daughter of Babylon”.
ii) The nation was anything but a delicate lady.
iii) It was cruel, vicious and vindictive in its assault against Jerusalem.
iv) One atrocity remembered was the way in which they dashed children against rocks.

2. Understanding imprecatory elements

a) The words display the depth of pain experienced.
b) These were words uttered in prayer appealing for Divine justice.
c) The petitioner however knows that the ultimate course of action would be solely determined by God and not the basis of his strong words.