RUNNING HEAD: An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

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 RUNNING HEAD: An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

This exegetical analysis of Psalms 137 shows the present-day relevance of the

imprecatory psalms by alluding to the literary and historical-cultural context of the seemingly

contradictory passage. The Israelite song is rich in structure and context. The complex psalm

defies classification into a single paradigm, we find Israelites heaving curses against their

enemies as they call upon God's wrath. To decrypt the imprecatory psalms and determine their

present-day relevance to the church the emotional context must be considered. An in-depth look

at the passage points to distinct verses which form certain units. Commonly known as strophes.

The first verses constitute Israelites laments while the second ones contain self-imprecations. A

sudden change in emotional context flips from joy to bitterness and grief. Fast forward, the third

section contains a curse that is directed towards the enemy. However, it is sent in the form of a

petition to God. The main focus in this passage ought to be directed towards the historical-

cultural and literal context. The other intriguing verses are where the call for retribution

controverts the forgiveness and love as taught in Christianity. Psalm 137 has retained its

relevance over the ages, it’s still applicable in today’s church. However, it’s a song of grief and

sorrow by the Israelites which serves to vent their resentment and anger. Amidst all this, the

passage seeks to advocate for the preservation of a culture. To get a broader understanding of the

esoteric meaning, it is important to address the teachings in light of God’s purpose. Also, by

taking into account the attitude of the psalmists based on the teachings contained in the New

Testament Revelation.

Deliberately understanding the cultural context provides insights as to why the psalm was

written. The experiences outlined in Psalm 137 are those of a people from Babylonian exile

following the temple destruction. To address this, the community addresses the situation to God.
 RUNNING HEAD: An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

In the heart of the verse, Israelites are out rightly seeking more protection from God since

Jerusalem was the promised land. The events alluded to in Psalm 137 are proven to have taken

place in history. This historical context sets a backdrop for cultural and literal meaning. The

present-day application in the church is that Psalm 137 shows Christians how they can control

and channel their sinful anger. Through the appropriation of laments and language, Christians

can desist from displaying or harboring anger against others. This sets them on the right path to

follow the teachings of Jesus. Therefore, it’s evident that imprecatory psalms can be harmonized

to benefit the present-day church through the integration with Jesus's teachings. However, all this

must be viewed in light of God’s purpose.

Exegetical Analysis of Psalm 137: Outline

I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................ 1
Statement of Problem.............................................................................................. 1
Statement of Purpose .............................................................................................. 1
Methodology and Sources....................................................................................... 1
Limitations.............................................................................................................. 2
II. CULTURAL-HISTORICAL CONTEXT .............................................................................. 2
III. LITERARY CONTEXT .............................................................................. 3
IV. APPLICATION IN TODAY’S CHURCH ..............................................................................4
V. CONCLUSION ............................................................................. 5
 RUNNING HEAD: An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

Seven (7) scholarly sources related to your passage and generate a

bibliography that will be incorporated in the final Exegetical Paper.

1. Footnote: TALLI ROSENBAUM, "If I Forget You, O Jerusalem, Let My Right Hand Forget

Its Skill (Psalms 137:5)", The Journal Of Sexual Medicine 9, no. 5 (2012): 1233-1234,

doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02730.x.

Your Bibliography: ROSENBAUM, TALLI. "If I Forget You, O Jerusalem, Let My Right

Hand Forget Its Skill (Psalms 137:5)". The Journal Of Sexual Medicine 9, no. 5 (2012): 1233-

1234. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02730.x.

2. Footnote: Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford, "The Role Of Psalms 135-137 In The Shape And

Shaping Of Book V Of The Hebrew Psalter", Old Testament Essays 32, no. 2 (2019),

doi:10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a20.

Your Bibliography: deClaissé-Walford, Nancy L. "The Role Of Psalms 135-137 In The Shape

And Shaping Of Book V Of The Hebrew Psalter". Old Testament Essays 32, no. 2 (2019).

doi:10.17159/2312- 3621/2019/v32n2a20.

3. Footnote: William M. Tillman, "Words About Recent Book: II. Biblical Studies: Performing

The Psalms, Seeing The Psalms: A Theology Of Metaphor: The Psalms: Strophic Structure And

Theological Commentary", Review & Expositor 105, no. 1 (2008): 149-151,

doi:10.1177/003463730810500118.

Your Bibliography: Tillman, William M. "Words About Recent Book: II. Biblical Studies:

Performing The Psalms, Seeing The Psalms: A Theology Of Metaphor: The Psalms: Strophic

Structure And Theological Commentary". Review & Expositor 105, no. 1 (2008): 149-151.

doi:10.1177/003463730810500118.
 RUNNING HEAD: An Exegetical Analysis of Psalms 137

4. Footnote: Michele Osherow, "Mary Sidney's Embroidered Psalms", Renaissance Studies 29,

no. 4 (2015): 650-670, doi:10.1111/rest.12166.

Your Bibliography: Osherow, Michele. "Mary Sidney's Embroidered Psalms". Renaissance

Studies 29, no. 4 (2015): 650-670. doi:10.1111/rest.12166.

5. Footnote: AHN, "Psalm 137: Complex Communal Laments", Journal Of Biblical

Literature 127, no. 2 (2008): 267, doi:10.2307/25610120.

Your Bibliography: AHN. "Psalm 137: Complex Communal Laments". Journal Of Biblical

Literature 127, no. 2 (2008): 267. doi:10.2307/25610120.

6. Footnote: "Psalm 137 - Exegetical Research", Theosproject.Blogspot. Com, Last modified

2021, http://theosproject.blogspot.com/2005/09/psalm-137-exegetical-research.html.

Your Bibliography: "Psalm 137 - Exegetical Research". Theosproject.Blogspot. Com, Last

modified 2021. http://theosproject.blogspot.com/2005/09/psalm-137-exegetical-research.html.

7. Footnote: Jeff Davis and Jeff Davis, "Babylonian Exile – Life Giving Words Of Hope &

Encouragement By Jeff Davis", Life Giving Words Of Hope & Encouragement By Jeff Davis,

Last modified 2021, https://jeffdavis.blog/tag/babylonian-exile/.

Your Bibliography: Davis, Jeff, and Jeff Davis. "Babylonian Exile – Life Giving Words Of Hope

& Encouragement By Jeff Davis". Life Giving Words Of Hope & Encouragement By Jeff Davis,

Last modified 2021. https://jeffdavis.blog/tag/babylonian-exile/.