Psalms 137:7-9
Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!” O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Edomites' cry, "Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!" reveals a malicious intent beyond mere conquest. It wasn't just about defeating Jerusalem, but about utterly eradicating its very existence, aiming to "make it naked" of everything, including its deepest roots. This isn't just destruction; it's a brutal desire for absolute obliteration born from deep-seated hatred.
The Psalmist is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem while in exile. This verse specifically recalls the actions of the Edomites, their own kinsmen, who not only rejoiced in Jerusalem's fall but actively encouraged its complete annihilation by the Babylonians. The surrounding verses express a deep longing for home and invoke divine judgment upon those who harmed God's people.
Why would a psalm of sorrow turn into a prayer for vengeance? This verse shows the raw, honest pain of the psalmists as they cry out to God.
The plea, 'Remember, O Lord,' isn't a gentle nudge. It's an urgent call for God to act based on past wrongs.
A Relational Betrayal
The focus here is on the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother. They were family, yet they acted with extreme cruelty.
A Cry for Divine Justice
This isn't about the psalmists seeking personal revenge. It's a profound trust that God sees injustice and will ultimately right the wrongs done to His people and His city. They are asking God to remember the day of Jerusalem – the day of its utter devastation – and to hold accountable those who reveled in it.
The words 'Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!' are chilling. What does this extreme language reveal about the nature of their hatred?
This phrase speaks to a desire for complete demolition and erasure. It wasn't just about defeating Jerusalem; it was about eradicating its very existence.
More Than Just Destruction
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His eternal self-existence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His intimate relationship with His people.
'Ĕdōm · Hebrew Noun
The descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob; they represent a historical rival and hostile neighbor to Israel. In prophetic literature, they are often used as an archetype of those who despise God's people and rejoice in their suffering.
baṯ · Hebrew Noun
A poetic designation for a city or nation, often implying a personification of its inhabitants or culture. It highlights the city's character and susceptibility to judgment.
Bāḇel · Hebrew Noun
This Psalm was likely composed during or shortly after the Babylonian exile. It reflects the deep pain and anger of the exiled Judeans, particularly their bitter remembrance of the Edomites' cruel rejoicing and active participation in Jerusalem's destruction.
c. 845 BC
Prophecy against Edom
The prophet Obadiah delivers a prophecy of judgment against Edom for their actions against Judah and Jerusalem, a theme echoed in Psalm 137.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, deports a significant portion of Jerusalem's population, including Jehoiachin the king and Ezekiel the prophet, to Babylon.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem, raze its walls, and burn the Temple. Edomites are noted for their participation and gloating during this catastrophe.
c. 585 BC
Jeremiah's Lamentations
The prophet Jeremiah, having witnessed the destruction, writes the Book of Lamentations, expressing grief and condemnation, including specific accusations against Edom.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 137:7, condemning the Edomites for their cruel actions and rejoicing over Judah's downfall. It highlights the deep-seated animosity between the Edomites and Israelites, stemming from their shared ancestry but marked by Edom's betrayal.
Lamentations 4:21-22This lament specifically mentions the Edomites' gloating over Jerusalem's destruction and their participation in its ruin. It underscores the theme of divine retribution for those who maliciously afflict God's people.
Ezekiel 25:12-13Ezekiel prophesies judgment against Edom for their 'avenger's fury' against Judah and for their 'ancient enmity.' This passage reinforces the idea that Edom's actions were not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing hatred that God would not overlook.
Jeremiah 49:7-10This prophecy addresses Edom directly, questioning their wisdom and foretelling their devastation for relying on their strength and for their mistreatment of Jacob. It expands the context of divine judgment to include Edom's pride and their hostility towards their kinsmen.
ellicottPsalms 137:7: "Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof."
(7) Remember . . .— Remember, Jehovah, for the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem. The prophecy of Obadiah gives the best comment on this verse: “For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his for…
clarkePsalms 137:7: "Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof."
Remember - the children of Edom - It appears from Jeremiah 12:6 ; Jeremiah 25:14 ; Lamentations 4:21 , Lamentations 4:22 ; Ezekiel 25:12 ; Obadiah 1:11-14 ; that the Idumeans joined the army of Nebuchadnezzar against their brethren the Jews; and that they were main instruments in rasing the walls of Jerusalem even to the ground.
The Edomites' cry, "Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!" reveals a malicious intent beyond mere conquest. It wasn't just about defeating Jerusalem, but about utterly eradicating its very existence, aiming to "make it naked" of everything, including its deepest roots. This isn't just destruction; it's a brutal desire for absolute obliteration born from deep-seated hatred.
The Psalmist is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem while in exile. This verse specifically recalls the actions of the Edomites, their own kinsmen, who not only rejoiced in Jerusalem's fall but actively encouraged its complete annihilation by the Babylonians. The surrounding verses express a deep longing for home and invoke divine judgment upon those who harmed God's people.
The Psalmist is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem while in exile. This verse specifically recalls the actions of the Edomites, their own kinsmen, who not only rejoiced in Jerusalem's fall but actively encouraged its complete annihilation by the Babylonians. The surrounding verses express a deep longing for home and invoke divine judgment upon those who harmed God's people.
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A Reflection of the Heart
Such words reveal a deep-seated malice and a rejoicing in the suffering of others. The Edomites weren't just observers; they actively encouraged the complete destruction of their kin, showing a profound lack of compassion and a thirst for their ruin.
The ancient empire that conquered Judah and destroyed the Temple. In the Bible, it serves as the ultimate archetype of godless pride, idolatry, and opposition to the kingdom of God.
šādōḏ · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A condition or status of being marked for certain judgment or catastrophe due to sin or divine decree. It conveys the certainty and finality of God's coming retribution.
'ešer · Hebrew Adjective
A pronouncement of divine favor or happiness. In a biblical context, it describes the state of one who is aligned with God's purposes or participating in His righteous justice.
c. 540 BC
Second Isaiah Prophecy
The prophet Isaiah, in his later chapters, speaks of Babylon's eventual fall and God's judgment on nations that afflicted His people, including Edom.
"Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!” O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you…" — The Edomites' cry, "Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!" reveals a malicious intent beyond mere conquest. It wasn't just about defeating Jerusalem, but about utterly eradicating its ve…
