Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 137:1

1 BY the rivers of Babylon , there we sat down , yea, we wept when we remembred Zion .

Either, 1. of the City of Babylon, and then the river is Euphrates here called rivers for its greatness, and by a common Enallage of the Plural for the Singular, as Tigris also is, Nah. 2. 6. yea and Iordan, Psal. 74. 15. Or, 2. of the Territory of Babylon, in which there were many rivers, as Euphrates, which also was divided into several streams or rivule[illegible: 1+ letters]s, and Tigris and others. Here they were either by the appointment of their Lords for the making or repairing of the works beside the river: or by choice, retiring themselves thither from the noise and observation of their enemies, as they had opportunity, that they might disburden their oppressed minds before the Lord.

The usual posture of mourners, Ezra 9. 4, &c. Iob 2. 12. Isa. 47. 1, 5.

Either, 1. our former enjoyments in Zion, which greatly aggravated their present misery, Lam. 1. 7. Or, 2. Zions present desolations and pollutions.