Psalms 137:9

"Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us."

Key Reflection

This verse expresses a form of divine justice and retribution. It suggests that those who suffer under oppressive rule may find joy in seeing their oppressors face the same suffering they endured, mirroring the cruel treatment they themselves experienced.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Happy shall he be that taketh ... -Margin, as in Hebrew, rock. This refers to what was not uncommon in ancient warfare, as it is now among savage tribes - the indiscriminate slaughter of those of all ages, and of both sexes, in war. It was expressly foretold of Babylon that this would occur (seeIsaiah 13:16, and the notes at that place), and there may be a reference here to that prediction, and the psalmist may mean to say that the man would be accounted happy, or would be happy, who wreaked vengeance on Babylon in carrying out that prophecy.

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