Free group study handout
Psalm 137: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Psalm 137 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The people sit by the rivers of Babylon and weep as they remember Zion (vv. 1-2). In this foreign land, they hang their harps on the willows.
Key verse
“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”
Psalms 137:1 (WEB)
Outline
- Psalm 137:1–2 Sorrow by Babylon's Rivers
- Psalm 137:3–4 Mockery of Captors
- Psalm 137:5–6 Vow to Remember Jerusalem
- Psalm 137:7–9 Cry for Justice
Discussion questions
- In v1, where do the captives sit down and weep?
- What does the phrase 'hung up our harps' in v2 suggest about the captives' state?
- In v4, what does the question 'How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?' imply about their identity?
- In vv. 8-9, what does the mention of 'little ones' indicate about the captives' desire for justice?
- When have you felt unable to express joy in a challenging situation, as expressed in v4?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Psalm 137: Obadiah 1, Revelation 18, Jeremiah 51.
Before next time: read Psalm 138.