Psalm 137:7 – “Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. ‘Tear it down,’ they cried, ‘tear it down to its foundations!’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, the psalmist calls on God to remember the actions of the Edomites during the fall of Jerusalem. The Edomites were not directly responsible for the destruction, but they cheered on the Babylonians as they tore down the city and the temple. By urging the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem “to its foundations,” the Edomites revealed their deep animosity toward the Israelites. This cry for God to remember their actions is not just a request for historical acknowledgment but a plea for divine justice. The psalmist feels the pain of betrayal, as the Edomites were related to Israel through Esau, yet they rejoiced at the fall of their “brother” nation.

Historical Context

Psalm 137 was written during or shortly after the Babylonian exile, which began when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. During this tragic event, the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and thus related to the Israelites, sided with Babylon and encouraged the complete destruction of Jerusalem. This betrayal intensified the pain of the Israelites, as they had expected some solidarity from their kin. The psalmist’s call for God to remember the Edomites reflects the deep sense of betrayal and the desire for God’s justice against those who had delighted in their suffering.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse underscores the theme of divine justice. The psalmist does not seek personal revenge but instead calls upon God to remember and act. This reflects a belief that God is the ultimate judge who sees all and will one day set things right. The plea for God’s remembrance indicates trust that He will address the wrongs committed against His people. This also shows that it is appropriate to bring our feelings of betrayal and injustice to God, trusting that He will act according to His perfect justice.

Literary Analysis

Psalm 137 is a lament filled with raw emotion and honest cries for justice. In verse 7, the language is direct and urgent, using the word “remember” to call upon God’s attention to the Edomites’ actions. The verse stands out because it shifts from personal sorrow to a broader cry for justice. The use of the Edomites’ own words, “Tear it down,” adds vividness to the account and captures the depth of their animosity. This verse highlights the theme of enemies rejoicing over the downfall of God’s people, contrasting with the earlier focus on the sorrow of the Israelites.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

1. Obadiah 1:10-12 – God’s judgment on Edom for their violence against their brother Jacob and their rejoicing at Israel’s downfall.
2. Lamentations 4:21-22 – A prophecy against Edom, promising that they too will face God’s wrath.
3. Ezekiel 25:12-14 – God’s declaration of judgment on Edom for taking vengeance against Judah.
4. Proverbs 24:17 – A warning not to rejoice when your enemy falls, which contrasts with the actions of the Edomites.
5. Romans 12:19 – A reminder that vengeance belongs to God, and we are to leave justice in His hands.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Psalm 137:7 teaches us to bring our sense of injustice and pain to God. There are times when we face betrayal or when others rejoice in our hardships. The psalmist’s example shows us that it is not wrong to cry out for God’s justice, but it is crucial to leave it in God’s hands rather than taking matters into our own. This verse reminds us that God sees the wrongs done to us and will ultimately bring justice in His time. It also challenges us to trust that God’s judgment is perfect, even when we are tempted to hold on to bitterness or seek revenge.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

While this verse may seem harsh at first glance, it actually reveals a deeper truth about God’s love for His people. God’s love includes His desire to protect and vindicate His people when they are wronged. The psalmist’s plea for God to remember is a way of saying, “God, I trust you to see this and to act.” It shows that God’s love is not indifferent to the pain and suffering of His people. He is both a loving Father and a just Judge who will one day right all wrongs. In this sense, God’s love is not only comforting but also fierce in its defense of His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Psalm 137:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who embodies God’s justice and mercy. Jesus Himself faced betrayal and mockery, yet He entrusted Himself to God’s judgment (1 Peter 2:23). On the cross, Jesus bore the injustices of the world and offered forgiveness even to His enemies, showing that God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced. At the same time, Jesus promised that there would be a day of reckoning when God would bring justice to all who have rejected Him and harmed His people (Matthew 25:31-46). In Christ, we see both the fulfillment of God’s promise to judge evil and His invitation to offer mercy to those who repent.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can we bring our feelings of betrayal and injustice to God in a way that is healthy and faithful?
2. In what situations do we find it difficult to trust God’s timing and justice?
3. How can we reconcile the desire for justice with Jesus’ command to love our enemies?
4. How does knowing that God sees and remembers our pain help us release the need for personal revenge?
5. How does Jesus’ response to betrayal and suffering shape the way we respond to those who wrong us?

Reflecting on these questions can help us navigate our own struggles with betrayal, reminding us to trust God’s perfect justice and to find hope in Christ’s example of forgiveness and love.