Psalm 137 is a poem found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Psalms. It is one of the most well-known and controversial psalms, as it describes the grief and anger of the Israelites in exile in Babylon.
The psalm begins with the Israelites mourning their captivity, remembering their beloved city of Jerusalem and how it was destroyed by their enemies. The second half of the psalm becomes more vengeful, with the Israelites calling for retribution against their oppressors and asking God to punish them.
One of the most striking verses of the psalm is verse 9, which says: "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." This verse has been interpreted in different ways, with some seeing it as a call for violence and others as a bitter expression of grief and anger.
Overall, Psalm 137 is a powerful and emotional expression of the experiences of the Israelites in exile, and it raises important questions about the nature of suffering, vengeance, and forgiveness. Its words have inspired many works of art and music throughout the centuries, and it continues to be studied and debated by scholars and religious communities alike.