Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.Psalms 137:2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.Psalms 137:3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.Psalms 137:4 How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?Psalms 137:5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
Very interesting read,I have to be honest that I struggled to understand some things here, and I looked several commentaries to see their views and I found it very intriguing.First of all. I want to lay foundation. That the people of God saw it as a betrayal to their God to sing the song of the LORD in a foreign land. Part of the reason is that it was like their law or belief to do so, Another major reason was that the were asked to sing songs of Jerusalem for mockery, to laugh and redicule them as they sung songs of Jerusalem. But after learning GOD and understanding his ways, I have a strategy here, The bible says, HE’S the LORD full of mercy and compassion. Take note whenever the people of God turned themselves against God, God gave them up to their enemies. It means it was sin that led them (always does) to a strange land. So every time you sin, you are led to a strange land that’s absence of God’s Presence. Again, on my understanding, I think they should of sung a song of repentance. Remember it’s sin that led them there. So a song of repentance was required.Just as the scripture teach 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”Are you in a situation like that? Where you have hanged your harps (instrument of music) on trees, where you weep and cry every day?instead, I advise you to Sing the song of the LORD. I love the life of Prophet David, the Psalmist. He had a song for every season. He had songs, when he was happy.he had songs when he was confused. He had songs when he was weak. Please check the book of psalms, you’ll see that David wasn’t limited to any situation he was in. At times he said, though I walk through the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. At times he said, ‘my enemies have surrounded me round about’ at times he said, I cry all day long and he does not answer me’ at times he said, ‘I praise the Lord, for he has given me victory over my enemies. Note that, this are documented as songs or psalms of David because he had a song for every season. That’s why even when David had wronged God, God didn’t know how to punish him directly, his punishment always led in others suffering but not David directly, because he knew how to sing songs in every season. He doesn’t run out of lyrics of Praise to our LORD JESUS CHRIST. When he sins against God, He sings the song of repentance. Like in Psalms 25:7-11 NKJV[7] Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. [8] Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. [9] The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. [10] All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. [11] For Your name’s sake, O Lord, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
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