The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 Alongside Babylon's rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried, remembering the good old days in Zion.
1
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
2 Alongside the quaking aspens we stacked our unplayed harps;
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There on the poplars we hung our harps,
3 That's where our captors demanded songs, sarcastic and mocking: "Sing us a happy Zion song!"
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for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 Oh, how could we ever sing God's song in this wasteland?
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How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?
5 If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, let my fingers wither and fall off like leaves.
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If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.
6 Let my tongue swell and turn black if I fail to remember you, If I fail, O dear Jerusalem, to honor you as my greatest.
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May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.