Verses 23–26
God's everlasting mercy is here praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and
all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son.
May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days.
May He who giveth food to all flesh, feed our souls unto eternal life, and enliven our affections by
his grace, that we may give thanks and praise to his holy name, for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let us trace up all the favours we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually.
Chapter 137
Chapter Outline
The Jews bewail their captivity. (1–4)
Their affection for Jerusalem. (5–9)Verses 1–4
Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they
insulted over them; they required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane,
for no songs would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not
say, How shall we sing, when we are so much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we
dare not sing it among idolaters.
Verses 5–9
What we love, we love to think of. Those that rejoice in God, for his sake make Jerusalem their
joy. They stedfastly resolved to keep up this affection. When suffering, we should recollect with
godly sorrow our forfeited mercies, and our sins by which we lost them. If temporal advantages
ever render a profession, the worst calamity has befallen him. Far be it from us to avenge ourselves;
we will leave it to Him who has said, Vengeance is mine. Those that are glad at calamities, especially
at the calamities of Jerusalem, shall not go unpunished. We cannot pray for promised success to
the church of God without looking to, though we do not utter a prayer for, the ruin of her enemies.
But let us call to mind to whose grace and finished salvation alone it is, that we have any hopes of
being brought home to the heavenly Jerusalem.
Chapter 138