Psalms 137 Footnotes

137:5-6 The captives swore an oath never to forget Jerusalem. Such an oath bound them to plan for the restoration, because the covenant promises made by the prophets held out the hope of a regathering to the land (Is 54; Jr 31; Ezk 36 among others). The terms of the oath, which mentions the skill of the “right hand” and the “tongue,” would apply especially to the Levitical musicians of the sanctuary, with their instruments.