DailyBible

Psalm 137:4 Meaning

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

Context Explained

2We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3For 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.

4How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

6If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Key Themes

exileidentityworship

Related Cross References

  • Ezekiel 33:30-32

    Both passages discuss the challenge of worship in a foreign land.

  • Psalm 42:4

    This verse also expresses the difficulty of worshiping away from home.

  • Isaiah 51:11

    The promise of returning to Zion is a theme in Isaiah, connecting to the longing expressed here.

Source: Psalm 137:4