Psalms 137:7

Psalms 137:7 is a poignant cry from the Jewish exiles in Babylon, reflecting their deep anguish and desire for divine justice against those who rejoiced in Jerusalem's destruction. This verse specifically calls upon the LORD to remember the actions of Edom, a neighboring nation that not only stood by during the Babylonian conquest but actively encouraged the complete demolition of their holy city.

Context

Psalm 137 is a lament, vividly portraying the sorrow and longing of the Jewish people during their Babylonian captivity, which began around 586 BC. The psalm opens with their inability to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land and concludes with a fierce prayer for retribution against their oppressors and their collaborators. The "day of Jerusalem" refers to the catastrophic event of the city's siege and destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces.

The "children of Edom" were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, establishing a long and complex history of kinship and conflict with Israel. While they shared a common ancestry, Edom frequently acted with hostility towards Israel. During Jerusalem's fall, instead of offering aid or sympathy, Edom demonstrated active malice, urging the Babylonians to "rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof." This betrayal was considered particularly heinous, amplifying the psalmist's plea for God to address their cruelty.

Key Themes

• Plea for Divine Justice: The phrase "Remember, O LORD" is not merely a request for recollection but a powerful appeal for God to intervene and execute judgment against Edom's wicked actions. It expresses a fervent belief that God sees and will ultimately respond to injustice and betrayal.
• The Malice of Edom: This verse highlights Edom's profound animosity towards Jerusalem. Their cry to "rase it, rase it" reveals a desire for total and irreversible destruction, not just conquest, but utter obliteration. This unholy glee in the suffering of their kin is a central theme, underscored by other prophetic condemnations against Edom.
• The Pain of Betrayal: For the exiled Israelites, Edom's conduct was a deep wound, a betrayal from a people with whom they shared a historical bond. This added layer of treachery intensified their suffering and their cry for God to hold Edom accountable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "rase" is ʿārâh (עָרָה), which means to lay bare, to strip, or to empty out. The repetition of "rase it, rase it" (ʿārû, ʿārû) emphasizes the Edomites' fervent desire for the complete and utter demolition of Jerusalem, wishing for it to be utterly stripped of all its glory and reduced to nothing but its foundations. This intensifies the sense of their malicious intent.

The word "Remember" (zāḵar, זָכַר) in this context is more than just recalling an event; it means to bring to mind with the intent to act. The psalmist asks God to acknowledge Edom's actions and to respond with appropriate divine retribution.

Related Scriptures

• The prophet Obadiah specifically condemns Edom for their actions during Jerusalem's downfall, stating they "stood on the other side" and "rejoiced over the children of Judah."
• Lamentations 4:21-22 also speaks of Edom's rejoicing at Judah's calamity and prophesies their own coming judgment.
• Edom's ultimate fate and God's justice against them are further detailed in Ezekiel 25:12-14.

Practical Application

While the New Testament calls believers to a spirit of forgiveness and love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), Psalms 137:7 offers insight into the raw human experience of injustice and betrayal. It acknowledges the deep pain inflicted when others rejoice in one's suffering or actively contribute to one's downfall.

This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice who sees every act, both good and evil. While we are called to mercy, we can trust that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). It also serves as a warning against schadenfreude – finding joy in the misfortune of others – a disposition that is deeply contrary to God's heart.