Psalms 137:4

KJV

How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

KJV (with Strong's)

How shall we sing {H7891} the LORD'S {H3068} song {H7892} in a strange {H5236} land {H127}?

Complete Jewish Bible

How can we sing a song about ADONAI here on foreign soil?

Berean Standard Bible

How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?

American Standard Version

How shall we sing Jehovah’s song In a foreign land?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 137:4 poignantly articulates the profound spiritual and emotional crisis faced by the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Removed from their homeland, Jerusalem, and the sacred Temple, they grappled with the impossible question of how to perform their sacred worship songs—songs intrinsically tied to their identity, their covenant God, and the holy city—in a land of captivity, paganism, and immense sorrow. This verse encapsulates the deep anguish of spiritual displacement and the challenge of maintaining faith and identity amidst profound alienation and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 137 is a lament, one of the most powerful and heart-wrenching in the Psalter, recounting the experiences of the Jewish exiles in Babylon following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The psalm opens with a vivid image of the exiles weeping by the rivers of Babylon, remembering Zion (verses 1-3). Their Babylonian captors demand that they "sing us one of the songs of Zion" (verse 3), setting the stage for the rhetorical question of verse 4. The psalm progresses from this initial lament and refusal to sing to an impassioned vow never to forget Jerusalem (verses 5-6), culminating in a fierce imprecation against Edom and Babylon (verses 7-9). Verse 4 serves as the emotional core of their refusal, highlighting the spiritual impossibility of joyful worship in a land of sorrow and oppression, thus bridging the memory of Zion with the imprecation against their oppressors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 137 is the Babylonian Exile, a period of immense national trauma for Israel. After centuries of relative independence, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon, Jerusalem and the First Temple were destroyed, and a significant portion of the population was forcibly deported to Babylon (c. 586 BCE). This was not merely a political defeat but a theological crisis, as the Temple was considered God's dwelling place, and Jerusalem, the city of David, was central to their identity. In Babylon, a sophisticated, polytheistic empire, the exiles were a minority, often mocked for their unique monotheistic faith and their seemingly defeated God. The demand to "sing the LORD'S song" was likely a taunt, an attempt to humiliate them further by forcing them to perform their sacred rituals for pagan entertainment, or perhaps a genuine curiosity about the music of a conquered people. The exiles' refusal underscores their deep reverence for the sacred and their unwillingness to profane their worship. This period of exile is extensively documented in prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Letter to the Exiles") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory"), which address the spiritual challenges and future hope of the exiles.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 137:4 contributes to several major themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it embodies the theme of **Exile and Alienation**, powerfully conveying the profound sense of loss, displacement, and spiritual disorientation experienced when separated from one's homeland and sanctuary. Secondly, it highlights the **Inseparability of Worship and Place** for the ancient Israelite, where true, joyful worship was deeply intertwined with the presence of God in Jerusalem and the Temple. The inability to sing the "LORD'S song" in a "strange land" underscores the perceived incongruity and impossibility of authentic praise in a hostile environment. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to the theme of **Preservation of Identity and Faith**. By refusing to sing, the exiles demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their refusal to profane their sacred heritage for their captors' amusement. This act of spiritual resistance preserves their distinct identity as God's chosen people, even in the midst of overwhelming suffering. The psalm as a whole, and this verse in particular, also embodies the theme of **Lament and Longing**, expressing deep sorrow and a fervent yearning for restoration to Zion, a hope that would eventually be realized, as chronicled in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree for Return") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sing (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** From H7891, a primitive root meaning "to sing." This word denotes the act of vocalizing musical notes, often in praise or celebration. In this context, it refers specifically to the performance of sacred hymns and psalms. The anguish lies in the incongruity of performing such joyful, sacred acts in a context of deep sorrow and spiritual defilement.
* **LORD'S (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. The inclusion of YHWH emphasizes that these are not just any songs, but songs specifically dedicated to the covenant God of Israel, highlighting their sacred, exclusive, and identity-defining nature. To sing "the LORD'S song" is to engage in covenantal worship.
* **strange (Hebrew, _nêkâr'_):** From H5236, meaning "foreign," or "a foreigner," or "heathendom." This word vividly describes the alien, non-Israelite, and pagan nature of Babylon. It contrasts sharply with the sanctity of Jerusalem and the land of Israel, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural alienation experienced by the exiles. The "strange land" is not merely geographically distant but spiritually hostile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How shall we sing":** This opening phrase is a rhetorical question, expressing profound despair and a sense of spiritual impossibility. It is not a request for instruction but an articulation of their inability and unwillingness to engage in joyful worship under such circumstances. The very act of singing, typically associated with praise and celebration, is rendered inconceivable by their plight.
* **"the LORD'S song":** This refers to the sacred hymns and psalms of Zion, the songs of praise and worship dedicated to Yahweh, the God of Israel. These songs were deeply intertwined with their national and religious identity, often celebrating God's deliverance, His covenant, and His presence in Jerusalem and the Temple. They represent the essence of their spiritual expression and communal worship.
* **"in a strange land?":** This phrase identifies the location of their captivity—Babylon, a foreign, pagan, and oppressive environment. The "strange land" (Hebrew: _adamah nekar_) stands in stark contrast to the holy land of Israel, particularly Jerusalem and the Temple. The question highlights the profound spiritual dissonance: how could they sing songs of joy and freedom, tied to their sacred homeland, in a place of bondage and spiritual alienation, where their God was mocked and their sanctuary destroyed?

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 137:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the exiles' anguish. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, "How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?" This is not a question seeking an answer, but one that expresses the utter impossibility and profound spiritual dilemma of their situation. It highlights their despair and the perceived incongruity of worship in captivity. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the Babylonian captors' demand to hear "songs of Zion" (verse 3), which are songs of joy, freedom, and divine presence, from a people they have enslaved and whose sanctuary they have destroyed. The exiles' question in verse 4 underscores this bitter irony. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is pervasive: "the LORD'S song" symbolizes their identity, their covenant, their joy, and their freedom in God, while "a strange land" symbolizes spiritual alienation, oppression, and defilement. The very act of singing, typically a communal and joyful expression of faith, here becomes a symbol of their brokenness and inability to truly worship. The verse's concise phrasing also gives it a powerful, almost proverbial, quality, making it a timeless expression of spiritual exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 137:4 encapsulates the theological tension between God's presence and His people's experience of absence and suffering. It underscores the deep connection between worship, identity, and the sacred space in ancient Israelite theology. The exiles' refusal to sing is not a rejection of God, but a profound act of lament and faithfulness, acknowledging that true worship cannot be coerced or profaned. It speaks to the integrity of worship, suggesting that certain expressions of praise are so intimately tied to context and spirit that they become impossible under conditions of profound grief and spiritual alienation. This verse also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of worship, where while physical location is no longer paramount, the "spirit and truth" of worship remain essential, even in suffering.

* [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Psalm 42:4](/psalms/42-4 "Psalm 42:4 - Longing for God's House")
* [Isaiah 42:10](/isaiah/42-10 "Isaiah 42:10 - Sing a New Song")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 137:4 resonates deeply with the human experience of spiritual displacement, alienation, and the challenge of maintaining faith in hostile or sorrowful circumstances. It compels us to consider how we express our faith when our "land" feels strange—whether due to persecution, personal tragedy, cultural shifts, or spiritual dryness. The exiles' question is a powerful reminder that authentic worship is not merely an outward performance but an internal disposition, deeply connected to our spiritual state and context. It teaches us that there are times when lament, silence, or even a refusal to "sing" in the conventional sense, can be the most profound acts of worship and faithfulness. It challenges us to discern when to lament and when to praise, recognizing that both are valid expressions of faith. Ultimately, it underscores the enduring human longing for a spiritual "home" and the freedom to worship God authentically, reminding us that even in the deepest valleys, our identity in Christ remains steadfast, and our hope for ultimate restoration endures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "strange lands" do you find yourself today, where expressing your faith feels difficult or incongruous?**
* **How do you reconcile moments of deep sorrow or spiritual dryness with the call to praise and worship God?**
* **What does "the LORD'S song" mean to you personally, and how do you protect its sacredness in your life?**
* **What are appropriate responses for believers when faced with spiritual alienation or cultural hostility?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the LORD'S song" in this verse?**

Answer: "The LORD'S song" refers to the sacred hymns, psalms, and songs of praise that were central to Israelite worship, particularly those associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and celebrations of God's covenant faithfulness. These were not merely secular tunes but divinely inspired expressions of their unique relationship with Yahweh. Their significance lies in their intrinsic connection to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, their history of salvation, and their joyful communion with God in His holy city. To sing these songs in a "strange land" like Babylon, a place of paganism and oppression, would have felt like a profanation, a betrayal of their grief, and an impossible act of joy in a context of profound sorrow and spiritual alienation. It highlights the sacredness and contextual importance of their worship, which was deeply tied to the land and the Temple, as seen in passages like [Psalm 48:1-2](/psalms/48-1 "Psalm 48:1-2 - Zion, the City of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 137:4 articulates the profound anguish of physical and spiritual exile, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to a new reality where worship is no longer bound by physical location but by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the ultimate "Lamb of God" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), embodies the true Temple and the ultimate "song" of redemption. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, believers are no longer strangers and aliens but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens with the Saints"), regardless of their earthly circumstances. The "strange land" of Babylon gives way to a world where, though we are "sojourners and exiles" [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles") in a fallen world, we can still "sing the LORD'S song" because Christ has made a way for us to worship "in spirit and truth" [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Our ultimate "home" is in Christ, and our worship, even amidst suffering, becomes a foretaste of the eternal song of the redeemed in the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people forever [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 8:3

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: [there shall be] many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast [them] forth with silence.

Isaiah 22:12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Hosea 9:4

They shall not offer wine [offerings] to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices [shall be] unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.

Lamentations 5:14

The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick.

Lamentations 5:15

The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.

Isaiah 49:21

Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where [had] they [been]?

Ecclesiastes 3:4

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;