Psalm 137

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.  We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it.  For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?  If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!  If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth - if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Psalm 137:1-6 NKJV

It helps set the context for the Israelite musical boycott if we recall how the Levite priestly musicians served before the Lord 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.  (Psalm 134; 1 Chronicles 9:33) The demand for Jerusalem’s “greatest hits” from their Babylonian captors was more akin to mocking than a request from music aficionados.  That is because all of the Levitical songs were about the power, majesty, and faithfulness of God, the same God Who allowed Israel to be taken captive!  Not only did the Israelites refuse to play their harps, but they also prayed for vengeance.

“Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said, ‘Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!’ O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!  Happy the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!” Psalm 137:7-9 (NKJV)

The Jewish captives desired vengeance but knew vengeance was God’s job alone. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19-20)  Faith in His Word was their only comfort.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.  Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished.  And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.  For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.  For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.  For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NKJV)