By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Ver. 1. _By the rivers of Babylon_] Tigris and Euphrates; for the land of Shinar (where Babel was founded, and afterwards Babylon built) was, as most geographers think, a part of the garden of Eden, fruitful beyond... [ Continue Reading ]
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. Ver. 2. _We hanged our harps_] Harps we had, and knew how to handle them (the Jews were famous artists, noted for their skill, specially in poetry, music, and mathematics), but we had little mind to it as now the case stood with us; our cou... [ Continue Reading ]
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Zion. Ver. 3. For there … they required of us a song] _sc._ In disdain and derision of our religion; _q.d._ Will ye sing no more holy songs in h... [ Continue Reading ]
How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? Ver. 4. Shall we sing the Lord's song? &c.] No; for that were to profane holy things; and as Nazianzen speaketh, κωμωδιαν τα μυστηρια. And besides, they had as much mind to be merry then, and thus, as Samson had to play before the Philistines. Mu... [ Continue Reading ]
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning]. Ver. 5. _If I forget thee, O Jerusalem_] As I might seem to do, should I herein gratify these idolaters; or otherwise obey them, rather than God. The Jews at this day, when they build a house, they are, say the Rabbis, to leave... [ Continue Reading ]
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Ver. 6. _If I do not remember thee_] _Hi gemitus Sanctorum sunt gemitus Spiritus sancti,_ these are the very sighs unutterable, that precede joys unspeakable and full of glory. Eit... [ Continue Reading ]
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof. Ver. 7. _Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom_] Those unbrotherly bitter enemies. The Jews call Romists Edomites. _ Rase it, rase it_] _Discooperite, discooperite._ Di... [ Continue Reading ]
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Ver. 8. _That art to be destroyed_] _Spoliatrix,_ saith the Syriac, Isaiah 33:1 . _ Happy shall he be_] _i.e._ Well rewarded with wealth and good wishes.... [ Continue Reading ]
Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. Ver. 9. _That taketh and dasheth thy little ones_] So at the destruction of Troy (Horat. l. iv. Obadiah 1:6). _ Sed palam captis gravis (heu nefas, heu)_ Nescios fari pueros, Achivis Ureret flammis, etiam latentes... [ Continue Reading ]