Psalms 137:7

KJV

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142}, O LORD {H3068}, the children {H1121} of Edom {H123} in the day {H3117} of Jerusalem {H3389}; who said {H559}, Rase {H6168} it, rase {H6168} it, even to the foundation {H3247} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember, ADONAI, against the people of Edom the day of Yerushalayim's fall, how they cried, "Tear it down! Tear it down! Raze it to the ground!"

Berean Standard Bible

Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: “Destroy it,” they said, “tear it down to its foundations!”

American Standard Version

Remember, O Jehovah, against the children of Edom The day of Jerusalem; Who said, Rase it, rase it, Even to the foundation thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 137:7 is a fervent and anguished plea from the Jewish exiles in Babylon, imploring the LORD to remember and respond to the malicious actions of the Edomites during the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem. This verse vividly captures the profound sense of betrayal and deep suffering experienced by the exiled community, highlighting Edom's active encouragement of Jerusalem's total demolition, even to its very foundations, rather than offering aid or sympathy. It underscores a desperate cry for divine justice against those who rejoiced in Israel's profound national tragedy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 137 is a profoundly moving lament, serving as a raw expression of national grief and longing for divine justice in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, which occurred around 586 BC. The psalm commences with the exiles' deep sorrow, symbolized by their inability to sing the sacred "songs of Zion" while by the rivers of Babylon, their harps hung upon the willows ([Psalms 137:1-2](/psalms/137-1-2 "Psalms 137:1-2 - The Exiles' Lament by the Rivers of Babylon")). It then progresses to their steadfast refusal to profane their sacred songs for their captors' entertainment, declaring an eternal loyalty to Jerusalem ([Psalms 137:3-6](/psalms/137-3-6 "Psalms 137:3-6 - Refusal to Sing and Loyalty to Jerusalem")). Verse 7 specifically introduces the Edomites into this narrative of suffering and betrayal, setting the stage for the psalm's intense imprecations by detailing the specific nature of Edom's treachery, which intensifies the psalmist's cry for retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "day of Jerusalem" refers to the devastating siege and subsequent destruction of the city by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC, an event that marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. The "children of Edom" were the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, sharing a complex and often contentious kinship with Israel. Despite this familial tie, Edom frequently exhibited hostility towards Judah, a relationship marked by ancient grievances and rivalries. During Jerusalem's fall, historical and prophetic accounts indicate that the Edomites not only stood by but actively participated in the plundering and encouraged the Babylonians to utterly destroy the city. This betrayal by a "brother" nation was considered an especially heinous act, intensifying the psalmist's plea for God's remembrance and judgment, as it violated the expected solidarity among kin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. It is a direct **plea for divine justice**, underscoring the unwavering belief that God is a righteous judge who observes all actions, both good and evil, and will ultimately respond to acts of profound injustice and betrayal. The specific actions of Edom, encapsulated in their cry to "Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof," highlight the theme of **malice and unholy glee** in the suffering of others, a disposition deeply contrary to God's character and commandments. Furthermore, the verse profoundly expresses the **pain of betrayal**, as the Edomites, a people with whom Israel shared a common ancestor, actively contributed to their downfall, adding a layer of deep emotional wound to the physical and national catastrophe. This betrayal is a recurring theme in prophetic condemnations against Edom, such as in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob and Its Consequences").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_ H2142):** This word signifies far more than a simple mental recall of information; it is an earnest plea for God to bring to mind Edom's actions with the express intent to respond and act decisively. In biblical usage, when God "remembers," it invariably precedes a divine intervention, whether for blessing or, as in this context, for judgment. Here, it is an impassioned appeal for God to acknowledge the profound injustice and execute appropriate retribution against the perpetrators.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_ H1121):** This term refers to the descendants or people of Edom. The use of "children" is significant as it emphasizes the deep-seated familial connection between Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau). This shared lineage makes Edom's hostile and destructive actions during Jerusalem's downfall all the more egregious and highlights the profound sense of betrayal felt by the psalmist and the exiled community.
* **Rase (Hebrew, _ʻârâh'_ H6168):** This potent verb signifies to make bare, to strip, to empty out, or to demolish. The emphatic repetition of "rase it, rase it" (Hebrew: _ʻârû, ʻârû_) intensifies the Edomites' fervent and malicious desire for the complete and utter demolition of Jerusalem. It conveys a wish for the city to be entirely stripped of all its glory and inhabitants, reduced to nothing but its bare foundations, signifying a desire for total, irreversible, and absolute destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem;":** This opening clause is a direct, impassioned petition addressed to God, Yahweh (LORD). The psalmist calls upon the divine memory and righteous character of God to take full notice of the Edomites' abhorrent conduct during the calamitous "day of Jerusalem"—the day of its devastating siege and destruction. The specific mention of "the children of Edom" highlights their identity as a distinct nation, yet one with a historical, familial relationship to Israel, making their actions a particularly grievous act of betrayal. The request to "remember" implies a desire for divine accountability and swift, just intervention.
* **"who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.":** This second clause starkly reveals the specific and abhorrent nature of Edom's involvement in Jerusalem's tragedy. It directly quotes their malicious cry, thereby implicating them in the destruction and emphasizing their active role in encouraging it. The emphatic repetition of "rase it" (Hebrew: _ʻârû, ʻârû_) powerfully conveys their intense and cruel desire for Jerusalem's utter obliteration, not merely its conquest. The chilling addition "even to the foundation thereof" further underscores their wish for complete and irreversible ruin, desiring that the city be leveled to its very bedrock, leaving no trace of its former glory or existence.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of despair and the intensity of the plea for justice. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in the chilling phrase "Rase [it], rase [it]," which serves to emphasize the Edomites' fervent and destructive desire for Jerusalem's complete annihilation. This device not only highlights their malice but also echoes the traumatic impact of their words on the exiled community. The opening phrase "Remember, O LORD" functions as a potent **Imperative**, a direct command or plea to God, and also embodies **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God the human characteristic of memory, yet implying a divine act of justice in response to that memory. Furthermore, the plea utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** with the phrase "even to the foundation thereof," stressing the extreme nature of the desired destruction and the Edomites' utter contempt for Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 137:7 confronts the profound human experience of injustice and betrayal, particularly from those who should have been allies or kin. Theologically, it powerfully affirms God's role as a righteous judge who sees, records, and will ultimately address the wickedness of nations and individuals. The psalmist's cry is not merely an expression of personal vengeance but a fervent appeal for divine justice to prevail in a world where evil often seems to triumph and the innocent suffer. This verse starkly highlights the deep pain inflicted when others rejoice in one's suffering or actively contribute to one's downfall, contrasting sharply with the biblical call to compassion, empathy, and solidarity. It also serves as a stark warning against the sin of schadenfreude, finding joy in the misfortune of others, a disposition that is anathema to God's heart and His desire for mercy and restoration.

* [Obadiah 1:11](/obadiah/1-11 "Obadiah 1:11 - Edom's Indifference and Participation in Jerusalem's Fall")
* [Lamentations 4:21-22](/lamentations/4-21-22 "Lamentations 4:21-22 - Edom's Rejoicing and Prophecy of Judgment")
* [Ezekiel 25:12-14](/ezekiel/25-12-14 "Ezekiel 25:12-14 - God's Vengeance Against Edom for Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 137:7, while raw in its expression of profound pain and desire for retribution, offers profound insights for contemporary believers navigating a world rife with injustice. It acknowledges the legitimate human anguish that arises from deep betrayal and the experience of witnessing or suffering profound evil. In a world where evil often appears to go unpunished, this psalm powerfully reminds us that God is a God of justice who sees every act, both good and evil, and that His memory is perfect. While the New Testament calls believers to a higher ethic of forgiveness, love for enemies, and leaving vengeance to the Lord, this psalm provides a vital space to honestly lament and bring our deepest hurts and cries for justice to God, trusting that ultimate justice belongs to Him alone. It cautions us against the destructive nature of schadenfreude and the sin of actively participating in or rejoicing over the downfall of others, even our adversaries. Instead, it implicitly calls us to cultivate a heart of empathy, compassion, and to trust in God's perfect timing and methods for justice, rather than seeking personal retribution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I witness or experience profound injustice or betrayal, and how can I bring these feelings honestly before God?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rejoice in the misfortune of others, and how can I cultivate a more compassionate and empathetic heart, even towards those who have wronged me?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice free me from the burden of seeking personal revenge or holding onto bitterness?**
* **What is the tension between the psalmist's raw cry for vengeance and Jesus' command to love our enemies, and how can I navigate this tension in my faith and daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is Edom singled out for such strong condemnation in this psalm?**

Answer: Edom, being descendants of Esau (Jacob's twin brother), had a unique and often contentious relationship with Israel. Their condemnation in [Psalms 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalms 137:7 - The Call for Justice Against Edom") is particularly severe because, during Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon, they did not merely remain neutral but actively encouraged the city's complete demolition and participated in the plundering. This act was seen as a profound betrayal by a "brother" nation, amplifying the pain and sense of injustice felt by the Jewish exiles. This betrayal is a recurring theme in prophetic books like [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "The Book of Obadiah - Prophecy Against Edom"), which is entirely dedicated to Edom's judgment.

**What does it mean to "rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "rase" (`ʻârâh`) means to lay bare, strip, or empty out. The repetition of "rase it, rase it" in [Psalms 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalms 137:7 - The Call for Justice Against Edom") is an emphatic and malicious plea for total and utter destruction. "Even to the foundation thereof" signifies a desire for the city to be completely leveled, leaving no stone unturned, no structure standing—a wish for absolute obliteration and removal of any trace of its existence. It expresses extreme malice, a complete lack of mercy, and a desire for irreversible ruin.

**How does this prayer for vengeance align with Christian ethics of love and forgiveness?**

Answer: Psalms 137:7 reflects the raw, honest lament of a people suffering immense trauma and injustice under the Old Covenant, where the concept of divine retribution for national sins was prominent. While the New Testament, through Christ's teaching, calls believers to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) and to leave vengeance to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")), the psalm provides a biblical precedent for expressing deep pain and a desire for justice to God. It reminds us that God is ultimately righteous and will judge all evil. For Christians, this psalm can be understood as a testament to the depth of human suffering and a reminder to trust God's perfect justice, even when our own hearts cry out for retribution. It teaches us to bring our unfiltered emotions to God, trusting His sovereign and just character to make all things right in His perfect timing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 137:7 expresses a fervent desire for retribution against those who rejoiced in Jerusalem's destruction, its ultimate fulfillment is found not in human vengeance but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself experienced the ultimate betrayal and injustice, not only from His enemies but even from those closest to Him, as seen in the treachery of Judas ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")). Yet, instead of calling down judgment, He prayed for His persecutors, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). This act of radical forgiveness transforms the Old Testament cry for "rase it" into a New Testament call for reconciliation and redemption, even for those who inflict suffering, demonstrating a higher ethic of divine love. Furthermore, Christ is the righteous judge who will ultimately bring perfect justice to all nations and individuals, including those who have committed acts of malice and betrayal ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the psalmist's plea for God to "remember" and act finds its ultimate answer in Christ's final and just reign, where all wrongs will be made right, not through human fury, but through divine sovereignty and perfect righteousness. The suffering of the exiles foreshadows the suffering of Christ and His church, who are called to endure injustice with hope in God's ultimate vindication and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more pain or sorrow ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain in the New Jerusalem")).

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

Lamentations 4:21

¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Lamentations 4:22

The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.

Jeremiah 49:7

¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Ezekiel 25:14

And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

Obadiah 1:10

¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.