Psalm 137:9 is one of the most difficult verses in the Bible to understand. At face value, it seems to promote violence against infants. However, when examined in its historical context and through a Christian lens focused on Jesus’s teachings, a different meaning emerges. This article will explore what Psalm 137:9 could mean from a faith perspective.
The Text of Psalm 137:9
Psalm 137 is a lament written during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Israelites had been forcibly removed from their homeland and were living in despair in Babylon. This psalm expresses their deep sadness and anger at being conquered. Verse 9 reads:
“Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!” (Psalm 137:9 ESV)
At first glance, this appears to be wishing violence against Babylonian infants as revenge for the cruelty inflicted on the Israelites. However, taking such a verse literally and out of context leads to a meaning contradictory to the overarching message of the Bible.
Historical Context of Psalm 137
Psalm 137 was written during a traumatic period in Israel’s history. After conquering Jerusalem, the Babylonians ruthlessly killed Israelites and destroyed their temple and city (2 Kings 25:8-21). The captives in Babylon felt deep anguish and anger at having their lives torn apart.
In this context, Psalm 137:9 expresses the desire for justice and for God to punish Babylon in the same ruthless way they punished Israel. The vivid language reflects the turmoil of the time. It illustrates the depth of pain caused by Babylon’s violence rather than being a literal call to replicate it.
Common Literary Features of Psalms
The psalms contain many literary features, like metaphor, hyperbole, and personification. This verse uses hyperbole (exaggeration for effect) to communicate the immense emotional distress of the captives. Exaggerated language was often used in ancient Near Eastern literature during times of suffering.
Some theologians explain this verse as personifying Babylon as a mother who loses their children. This fits with other biblical passages that use feminine metaphors for cities (Isaiah 47:1). Overall, Psalms often use vivid imagery to express deep emotion.
Principle of Interpreting Scripture with Scripture
One principle Christians follow is understanding confusing verses in light of clearer passages on the same topic. There are many verses that forbid violence against children (Deut 24:16; Eze 18:20) and promote love of enemies (Ex 23:4-5; Pr 25:21-22). Taking Psalm 137:9 literally would contradict these.
In addition, the overarching narrative of Scripture upholds redemption, forgiveness, and peacemaking. Therefore, this verse is best understood through that lens. It expresses anguish without condoning further bloodshed.
Jesus’s Teachings on Anger and Forgiveness
As the fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus provides the ultimate model for how to live. Though he encountered great injustice, Jesus consistently denounced revenge and taught us to love our enemies (Mt 5:38-48). He also said that we should become like children to enter God’s kingdom (Mt 18:3).
Considering Psalm 137:9 in light of Jesus transforms our understanding. Rather than promoting violence against children, it underscores the heartbreak that comes from retribution. This aligns with Jesus’s message of breaking cycles of violence through grace and restoration.
A Call to Lament
Instead of viewing Psalm 137:9 as condoning harm to infants, Christians can see it as a model for honest lament. The psalm gives language for expressing anguish over suffering. Followers of Jesus can relate to its rage and sorrow, even while refusing to take revenge.
This verse shows the brokenness of humanity and our need for God’s redemption. Our pain does not have the final word. Jesus overcame violence with love. As Christians, we walk in grace while allowing room for authentic grief and lament.
The Authority of Scripture
Psalm 137:9 reminds us to read Scripture with discernment. As Paul said, the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Cor 3:6). Being Word of God, the Bible has authority. But we must be wise in how we interpret difficult texts according to their literary genre and their context in the biblical story.
Ultimately, we read Scripture to know Jesus better and grow in godly wisdom. Though Psalm 137:9 may seem harsh at first, the Holy Spirit can redeem it to speak truth to our lives today. Handled well, it illustrates the power of lament and the necessity of forgiveness.
A Plea for Divine Justice
Psalm 137:9 contains a plea for God’s justice, not human revenge. Sometimes Old Testament language sounds severe to modern ears. However, passages like this reflect a longing for God to set wrongs right. Christians can relate to the desire for divine justice and restoration.
As the Psalmist cried out in despair, we also call on the Lord in our suffering. Through Christ, we can have confidence that God will make all things new (Rev 21:5). His perfect justice and mercy far exceed what humans could accomplish.
A Purposeful Contrast
Some Bible scholars propose that Psalm 137:9 creates a purposeful contrast between the murderous acts of the Babylonians and the morality expected of God’s people. The vivid language highlights how far the captors strayed from righteousness. The psalmist calls for a just God to intervene.
From this perspective, the verse shocks the conscience of readers, underscoring the heinousness of violence against the vulnerable. The jarring words communicate a core biblical message: the innocent deserve God’s protection.
Practical Implications
Though challenging to interpret, Psalm 137:9 contains wisdom for life today. We may not face Babylonian captivity, but many encounter suffering and hardship. This psalm offers several practical implications:
- Give voice to raw emotions and process pain through lament
- Reject vengeance and leave justice to God
- Strive for forgiveness amid oppression
- Remember Jesus’s model of non-violent love of enemies
- Trust God and cling to hope during trials
This ancient prayer still resonates today. As we meditate on Psalm 137:9, may we draw near to God and surrender our pain to Him.
A Foreshadowing of Christ
Throughout the Old Testament, we see hints that point ahead to the coming of Christ. Some theologians propose Psalm 137:9 also contains symbolism foreshadowing Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross.
The “rock” in Psalm 137:9 alludes to Christ as our firm foundation (1 Cor 10:4). As babies were killed by being dashed on rocks, so Jesus was murdered to atone for sin. But in his resurrection, Christ conquered death and crushed the head of evil (1 Cor 15:54-57).
From this view, the devastation captured in Psalm 137:9 ironically points to the hope we have in Christ. Though horrific on its surface, this verse can be seen as foretelling the redemptive plan of God through sending his Son.
A Plea for Remembrance
Psalm 137 begins with the phrase “by the waters of Babylon”, evoking the image of being held captive by a destructive force. The psalmist goes on to plead for Jerusalem to be remembered even in exile. Psalm 137:9 then requests for Babylon’s cruelty not to be forgotten either.
In this light, the verse serves as a plea to remember both the goodness of Jerusalem and the evil of Babylon. Though hyperbolic in tone, the underlying request is to keep historical injustice from fading over time. Remembering wrongdoing can bring motivation for righteous action.
Lament over Fallen Humanity
At the core, Psalm 137:9 contains a lament over fallen humanity. The darkness in the human heart that can lead to such violence is grieved. The psalmist acknowledges human depravity but looks to God for hope and redemption.
Christians recognize the calamities in Psalm 137 mirror humanity’s brokenness today. Thankfully, Scripture also depicts God’s plan to make all things right again through Jesus. As we long for the restoration of the world, we cling to Christ – the true source of blessedness.
An Expression of Imprecation
A category of psalms called imprecatory psalms invoke judgement and calamity on one’s enemies. These expressions arose out of grievous suffering. Psalm 137:9 exemplifies imprecation through desiring revenge on the Babylonians in response to their cruelty.
However, even imprecatory psalms typically call for God’s wrath rather than taking matters into human hands. As Christians, we can understand these raw emotions while leaving judgement to the Lord. Through Christ, we have hope that justice and peace will prevail.
Divine Wrath and Mercy
Psalm 137:9 offers the opportunity to consider the difficult topic of God’s wrath. In the Old Testament, fierce language often describes His vengeance against evil and oppression. However, God’s anger expresses His justice and holiness.
Therefore, passages like Psalm 137:9 should instill in us a reverent fear of God who will make all things right. Yet we balance this with Jesus’s revelation of God’s love on the cross. Wrath and mercy meet at the cross as Christ bore sin’s penalty to redeem humanity.
A Plea Against Moral Relativism
Psalm 137 illustrates a morally complex situation. The psalmist expresses rage over Babylon’s evil actions while calling for a just response. This highlights moral complexities during times of war, oppression, and grief.
However, the psalm still reveals absolute morality – the difference between good and evil. Psalm 137:9 implicitly pleads for moral clarity by protesting gross injustice. Despite complicating factors, ethical norms still exist.
This reminds Christians that, while situations may be complex, God’s standards of justice and love remain. Moral relativism argues truth depends on circumstances. But Psalm 137 points to unchanging moral foundations.
A Pose of Moral Dilemma
Psalm 137:9 presents a moral dilemma by calling for violence that seems contrary to other ethical principles in Scripture. This literary device causes the reader to wrestle with conflicting motivations in the text.
The tension between anger over injustice and the call to show mercy creates unease. Using moral dilemma forces the reader to confront ethical complexity and consider solutions. Understanding the dilemma can lead to greater moral understanding.
For Christians, the resolution lies in God’s redemptive arc throughout Scripture culminated in Christ. Seeking to model God’s mercy and justice is the path forward.
Conclusion
Psalm 137:9 is a challenging verse that requires deep reflection and wisdom to interpret well. While it seems to promote violence on the surface, within its literary and historical context, different possible meanings arise. These include viewing it as hyperbole expressing deep anguish, longing for divine justice, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrifice, and posing a moral dilemma.
For Christians, studying this verse highlights principles such as interpreting Scripture in light of Jesus’s teachings, allowing for raw lament, and refusing to take personal revenge. Though difficult passages remain, we can have confidence in God’s steadfast love and redemption through Jesus.