Psalms 137:7 - Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”
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What does "Psalms 137:7" mean?
Psalm 137:7 expresses a powerful cry for divine justice against the Edomites. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem..." This is an invocation to God (Yahweh) to remember and hold accountable the Edomites for their actions on "the day of Jerusalem." "The day of Jerusalem" refers to the day Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed, likely during the Babylonian invasion of 586 BCE.
"...who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”" This describes the Edomites' behavior during the destruction of Jerusalem. To "raze" means to completely destroy or tear down. The verse accuses them of gleefully urging the Babylonians to utterly demolish Jerusalem, leaving nothing standing, not even the foundational stones.
Meaning and Significance:
1. Accusation of Cruel Opportunism: The verse accuses the Edomites of taking advantage of Judah's (the kingdom of which Jerusalem was the capital) vulnerable state during the Babylonian invasion. Instead of offering help or sympathy to their kin (Edom and Judah were believed to be descended from brothers, Esau and Jacob), they allegedly encouraged and celebrated its destruction.
2. Violation of Kinship: The animosity is particularly bitter because of the perceived kinship between the Israelites and the Edomites. The expectation would have been for mutual support or at least neutrality during times of crisis. The Edomites' actions were seen as a betrayal of this familial bond.
3. Desire for Revenge/Justice: The Psalmist isn't just recalling a historical event; they are praying for God to remember this act of treachery and to hold the Edomites accountable. This is a strong expression of the desire for divine justice and revenge. The Psalmist is seeking retribution for the destruction of Jerusalem and the perceived malicious role of the Edomites.
4. Historical Context: The historical record regarding the Edomites' role in the destruction of Jerusalem is somewhat complex and debated. While the Bible clearly accuses them of hostile behavior, extra-biblical sources are scant. However, the repeated condemnations of Edom in various prophetic books of the Bible (like Obadiah) suggest a pattern of hostility and exploitation of Judah's misfortunes.
In summary, Psalm 137:7 is a plea for divine retribution against the Edomites for their alleged role in encouraging and celebrating the destruction of Jerusalem. It highlights themes of betrayal, historical animosity, and the yearning for divine justice.
Psalms 137:7 - Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”
What does "Psalms 137:7" mean?
Psalm 137:7 expresses a powerful cry for divine justice against the Edomites. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem..." This is an invocation to God (Yahweh) to remember and hold accountable the Edomites for their actions on "the day of Jerusalem." "The day of Jerusalem" refers to the day Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed, likely during the Babylonian invasion of 586 BCE.
"...who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”" This describes the Edomites' behavior during the destruction of Jerusalem. To "raze" means to completely destroy or tear down. The verse accuses them of gleefully urging the Babylonians to utterly demolish Jerusalem, leaving nothing standing, not even the foundational stones.
Meaning and Significance:
1. Accusation of Cruel Opportunism: The verse accuses the Edomites of taking advantage of Judah's (the kingdom of which Jerusalem was the capital) vulnerable state during the Babylonian invasion. Instead of offering help or sympathy to their kin (Edom and Judah were believed to be descended from brothers, Esau and Jacob), they allegedly encouraged and celebrated its destruction.
2. Violation of Kinship: The animosity is particularly bitter because of the perceived kinship between the Israelites and the Edomites. The expectation would have been for mutual support or at least neutrality during times of crisis. The Edomites' actions were seen as a betrayal of this familial bond.
3. Desire for Revenge/Justice: The Psalmist isn't just recalling a historical event; they are praying for God to remember this act of treachery and to hold the Edomites accountable. This is a strong expression of the desire for divine justice and revenge. The Psalmist is seeking retribution for the destruction of Jerusalem and the perceived malicious role of the Edomites.
4. Historical Context: The historical record regarding the Edomites' role in the destruction of Jerusalem is somewhat complex and debated. While the Bible clearly accuses them of hostile behavior, extra-biblical sources are scant. However, the repeated condemnations of Edom in various prophetic books of the Bible (like Obadiah) suggest a pattern of hostility and exploitation of Judah's misfortunes.
In summary, Psalm 137:7 is a plea for divine retribution against the Edomites for their alleged role in encouraging and celebrating the destruction of Jerusalem. It highlights themes of betrayal, historical animosity, and the yearning for divine justice.