Psalms of Grace ‎#137a

137a. By Babel's Streams We Sat and Wept

1 By Babel's streams we sat and wept,
for mem'ry still to Zion clung;
the winds alone our harp-strings swept,
that on the drooping willows hung.

2 There our rude captors, flushed with pride,
a song required to mock our wrongs;
our spoilers called for mirth and cried,
"Come, sing us one of Zion's songs."

3 Not songs but sighs to us belong
when Zion's walls in ruin lie;
how shall we sing Jehovah's song
while in an alien land we die?

4 O Zion fair, God's holy hill,
wherein our God delights to dwell,
let my right hand forget her skill
if I forget to love thee well.

5 If I do not remember Thee
then let my tongue from utterance cease,
if any earthly joy to me
be dear as Zion's joy and peace.

6 Remember, LORD, the dreadful day
of Zion's cruel overthrow
how happy he who shall repay
the bitter hatred of her foe.

Text Information

• First Line: By Babel's streams we sat and wept
• Title: By Babel's Streams We Sat and Wept
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2022
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137
• Source: Psalter Hymnal, 1976

Tune Information

• Name: OLIVE'S BROW
• Composer: William B. Bradbury
• Arranger: Thomas Grassi (1853)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Key: E Major
• Copyright: Arr. © 2021 The Master's Seminary Press