Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 137:3

(last clause). Taken away from the text this is a very pleasant and praiseworthy request. Why do we wish for such a song?

1. It is sure to be pure.

2. It will certainly be elevating.

3. It will probably be glad some.

4. It will comfort and enliven us.

5. It will help to express our gratitude.

Verses 3-4.

1. The cruel demand. a) A song when we are captives. b) A song to please our adversaries. c) A holy song for unholy purposes.

2. The motive for it. Sometimes mere ridicule; at others, mistaken kindness seeking by sharpness to arouse us from despondency; often mere levity.

3. The answer to it, "How can?" etc.

Verses 3-4.

1. When God calls for joy we ought not to sorrow. The songs of Zion should be sung in Zion.

2. When God calls for sorrow we ought not to rejoice. "How shall we sing?" etc. See Isa 5:12. —G. R.

Verses 3-4.

1. The unreasonable request: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion." This was — a) A striking testimony to the joyful character of Jehovah's worship. Even the heathen had heard of "the songs of Zion." b) A severe trial of the fidelity of captive Israel. It might have been to their present advantage to have complied with the request. c) A cruel taunt of the sad and desponding condition of the captives.

2. The indignant refusal. "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" There is no singing this song by true Israelites — a) When the heart is out of tune, as it must necessarily be when in "a strange land." b) In uncongenial society —amongst unsympathetic strangers.

3. For unsanctified purposes —to make mirth for the heathen. Many so called sacred concerts pain devout Christians as much as the demand to sing the Lord's song did the devout Israelites. The Lord's song must be sung only "to the Lord." —W.H J.P.

Verses 3-4. The burlesque of holy things.

1. The servants of God are in an unsympathetic world.

2. The demand to be amused and entertained. Temple songs to pass an idle hour! Such the popular demand today. Men would have us burlesque religion to tickle them.

3. The justly indignant reply of all true men, "How shall we?" Christian workers have more serious if less popular business on hand. —W. B. H.