Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#137

137. Babylon Streams Received Our Tears

Text Information

• First Line: Babylon streams received our tears
• Title: Babylon Streams Received Our Tears
• Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1982)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Babylon/Babel; Biblical Names & Places: Jerusalem; Laments; Return of Christ; Judgment
• Copyright: © Calvin Seerveld

Tune Information

• Name: LLEF
• Composer: Griffith Hugh Jones (1890)
• Meter: LM
• Key: d minor

Text Information:

A profession of intense devotion to the city of the LORD by a people exiled and mocked in the land of their captors, who destroyed God’s city.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-4
st. 3 = vv. 5-6
st. 4 = v. 7
st. 5 = vv. 8-9

Israel speaks of its deep love of Zion, the city of God (see also 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 122, and 125). The psalmist had probably only recently returned from exile in Babylon (other psalms from the exile period are 74 and 79). Lingering in his soul are bitter memories of the troubled years when Israel mourned over ruined Zion and suffered Babylon's taunts, weeping for the city of their God in songless grief (st. 1). When asked by their captors to entertain with songs of Zion, they could not comply, for that would have violated Zion's beloved memory (st. 2). They call down curses upon their ability to sing and play music if they neglect Zion as their chief joy (st. 3). Such devotion to the LORD's city cannot but commit its destroyers, Edom and Babylon, to God's avenging judgment (st. 4-5). The psalmist's words are harsh (v. 9) but do not go beyond judgments announced by the prophets against Edom and Babylon (Isa. 13: 16; Jer. 49:7-22; Jer. 50-51).

In 1982 Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) versified this psalm for the Psalter Hymnal with an ABCA rhyme scheme, which is somewhat unusual in metrical psalmody.

Liturgical Use:
Introductory comments to remind worshipers of the intense devotion Israel had for Zion and of the agony the people suffered in exile among taunting enemies can be helpful before singing this psalm. Also noteworthy is the image of Babylon's destruction in the eschatological vision of Revelation 18-19.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Griffith Hugh Jones (b. Ty Du, Llanberis, Wales, 1849; d. Rhiwddolion, Wales, 1919) composed LLEF in memory of his brother, Rev. D. H. Jones, and the tune was first sung (prior to publication) at a Cymanfa, a Welsh song festival. LLEF was first published in David Jenkins's Gemau Mawl (1890). The haunting quality of the tune fits the plaintive psalm text well; the tune means "cry." All four melodic phrases descend as they lead into their respective cadences. Sing LLEF in a reflective manner, perhaps without the harmony on some stanzas and without accompaniment on others.

Jones's early musical influence was his father, who was a precentor at Methodist Capel Coch in Llanberis for sixty years. When Welsh preacher and musician John Roberts became pastor of the Llanberis chapel and discovered Jones's potential, he began to give him music lessons. In 1869 Jones became master of Rhiwddolion Elementary School, a position he retained for fifty years. Every Friday he traveled five miles on foot to teach music at Capel Curing, Moel Siabod. A poet as well as musician, Jones was often a judge at the famous Welsh Eisteddfodau musical contests.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook