A (1, 2) By the rivers OF BABYLON, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
B (3, 4) For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us MIRTH <08057>, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing Yahweh’s song in a strange land?
C (5) If I forget thee, O JERUSALEM, let my right hand forget her cunning.
D (6) If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth;
C1 (6) if I prefer not JERUSALEM
B1 (6) above my chief JOY <08057>.
A1 (7-9) Remember, O Yahweh, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. O daughter OF BABYLON, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.