Last modified: 2023-05-24
Abstract
Psalm 137 is one of the most eyebrow raising parts of the Old Testament. Some Christians reject it as a prayer because of its horrible images of violence,” O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us - he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” (Ps 137:8-9).
The purpose of this article is to provide plausible interpretation of Psalm 137 which contain horrible images of violence against Israel’s enemies. Using structural analysis and exegesis of Psalm 137 as an example of a psalm of lament of the oppressed, this study argues that the psalmist cries for retaliation according to the principle of talion, i.e., a concept of punishment whereby the prescribed penalty is identical with, or equivalent to, the offense.
This psalm is a protest against the brutality of great nations (in this case: Edom and Babylon) toward small nation (in this case: Israel). The psalmist does not ask for power to revenge the enemies by one’s own initiative but leaves it to YHWH. The curse, uttered in the context of prayer, becomes a vehicle for catharsis. The curse in the psalms provides an acceptable expression of emotions in our prayer.