Psalm 137Psalm 137

By The Rivers Of BabylonBy The Rivers Of Babylon

2/27/20112/27/2011

Psalm 137:1Psalm 137:1

► In contrast to most of the psalms, this In contrast to most of the psalms, this was written while Judah was in was written while Judah was in captivity. The author can only captivity. The author can only remember Zion, not see it.remember Zion, not see it. They were brought into captivity because They were brought into captivity because

of their sins.of their sins. Removed from Jerusalem/Zion. God’s Removed from Jerusalem/Zion. God’s

holy mountain.holy mountain.

Psalms 137:1Psalms 137:1

►Hebrews 12:22,25 – We too have been Hebrews 12:22,25 – We too have been led to Zion, the mountain of the Lord, led to Zion, the mountain of the Lord, through figurative comparison of the through figurative comparison of the kingdom of God.kingdom of God. Our sins will separate us from the presence Our sins will separate us from the presence

of God. (Isaiah 59:2,12; John 8:24)of God. (Isaiah 59:2,12; John 8:24) Romans 6:16 – We can be led into captivity Romans 6:16 – We can be led into captivity

by our sins, away from the dwelling of God.by our sins, away from the dwelling of God.

Psalms 137:2-3Psalms 137:2-3

► ““Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” It’s easy to be joyful and sing songs of mirth and It’s easy to be joyful and sing songs of mirth and

happiness while we can see the safety of Zion (be happiness while we can see the safety of Zion (be amongst our brethren). However, when we’re amongst our brethren). However, when we’re captive in the troubles of the world and sin (by the captive in the troubles of the world and sin (by the rivers of Babylon, far from Zion) how can we be rivers of Babylon, far from Zion) how can we be joyful?joyful?

James 5:13James 5:13►Psalm 137 is a mournful prayer to God. A prayer for comfort Psalm 137 is a mournful prayer to God. A prayer for comfort

from oppression.from oppression.►Songs like “The Desert of Sorrow and Sin,” have a deeper Songs like “The Desert of Sorrow and Sin,” have a deeper

meaning for us during situations similar to this. meaning for us during situations similar to this. The songs we sing carry messages we do well to The songs we sing carry messages we do well to

heed often. They are designed to exhort, edify, heed often. They are designed to exhort, edify, praise, uplift. Many are also prayers we send to God.praise, uplift. Many are also prayers we send to God.

Psalms 137:4-6Psalms 137:4-6

►““How can we sing the Lord’s song…” How can we sing the Lord’s song…” when we are captive in our sins?when we are captive in our sins? Isaiah 59:2Isaiah 59:2 We cannot forget where the Lord is and We cannot forget where the Lord is and

what he has done, what he expects of us.what he has done, what he expects of us.►Revelation 5:9-10,12,13 Revelation 5:9-10,12,13 ►Matthew 6:33, 7:7-8 – Seek first the kingdom Matthew 6:33, 7:7-8 – Seek first the kingdom

of God.of God.►Keep our hearts and minds focused on the Keep our hearts and minds focused on the

things of righteousness. Give no place for things of righteousness. Give no place for presumptuous, self-willed sin.presumptuous, self-willed sin.

Psalms 19:12-14Psalms 19:12-14

Taken Captive by SinTaken Captive by Sin

► Luke 19:10 – “The Son of Man came to seek Luke 19:10 – “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”and to save that which was lost.” Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd that Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd that

brings the lost sheep back from the wilderness, brings the lost sheep back from the wilderness, into the fold.into the fold.►Luke 15:4-7Luke 15:4-7

Must repent of our sins and be cleansed by the Must repent of our sins and be cleansed by the blood of the Lord. Be set free from the captivity blood of the Lord. Be set free from the captivity of sin and brought to the holy mountain, Zion of sin and brought to the holy mountain, Zion (Hebrews 12:22-25)(Hebrews 12:22-25)