Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.137 / 150 Ch.s
PS:137
* The Jews bewail their captivity. (1-4) Their affection for
Jerusalem. (5-9)
#1-4 Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own
land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they
required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also
profane, for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion.
Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall
we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's
song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.
#5-9 What we love, we love to think of. Those that rejoice in
God, for his sake make Jerusalem their joy. They stedfastly
resolved to keep up this affection. When suffering, we should
recollect with godly sorrow our forfeited mercies, and our sins
by which we lost them. If temporal advantages ever render a
profession, the worst calamity has befallen him. Far be it from
us to avenge ourselves; we will leave it to Him who has said,
Vengeance is mine. Those that are glad at calamities, especially
at the calamities of Jerusalem, shall not go unpunished. We
cannot pray for promised success to the church of God without
looking to, though we do not utter a prayer for, the ruin of her
enemies. But let us call to mind to whose grace and finished
salvation alone it is, that we have any hopes of being brought
home to the heavenly Jerusalem.