By the Rivers of Babylon
(Ezekiel 1:1–3)

1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down

and we wept in our remembering Zion.

2Upon the willows† in her midst,

we hung our harps.

3For there our captors required of us the words of a song,

and our tormentors, joy:

“Sing to us a song of Zion.”

4How can we sing a song of YHWH

in a foreign land?

5If I should forget you, O Jerusalem,

may my right hand forget.

6May my tongue cling to my palate,

if I do not remember you,

if I do not exalt Jerusalem

above my chief joy!

7Remember, O YHWH,

about the sons of Edom, on the day of Jerusalem—

those saying, “Lay her bare!

Lay her bare to her foundation!”

8O Daughter of Babylon,

O destroyed one,

blessed is he who repays to you,

dealing with you as you have dealt with us!

9Blessed is he who seizes and dashes

your infants against the rock!