On November 27, 2014 12:42 PM, "Stephen Williamson" wrote:

Subject: Psalm 137:9 (Dashing little ones upon the rocks)

Hi all

Yes, this is the psalm with that horrific verse at the end about “dashing little ones upon the rocks”

Frequently used as an attack on the Old Testament, with the writer said to have spoken either out of vindictive spite, or as an angry prophet who had “lost it”. But neither can be true.

The scripture is either inspired, as Peter says, no scripture comes from human inspiration, it was either by the Spirit of God moving upon holy men ..... or it’s not.

It’s like saying Jesus lost his temper in the temple, or Jesus lost his faith upon the cross.

But we know, Jesus never lost anything at any time, at all times he acted out of perfect love for his Father, out of perfect love for the people, praying for the ones who were acting in ignorance. At all times, love is in play.

Before I wrote this, I thought I’d better study Spurgeon’s commentary on the chapter, it’s good stuff.

http://www.romans45.org /spurgeon /treasury /ps137.htm

As he says, the first six verses are full of sadness, while the people in captivity are being mocked by the Babylonians

And they that wasted us required of us mirth. Saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. But how can we sing......

No the people cannot play those games. And it is so dangerous to mock God, this call for songs coming from people who have acted savagely and cruelly, much like the Philistines did with Samson when he was blinded, then paraded for their amusement.

They could not claim ignorance, like Paul had as he approved of the rocks being thrown at Stephen, like many of the people had who were involved in the crucifying of Jesus. These Babylonians had known what they were doing, when they were murdering those little ones in Jerusalem, both cruel and unfeeling. And now they were mocking, calling for a song from the Lord. So they get a word, but not one they would have enjoyed.

Thus the prayerful, and prophetic word comes at the end. They had asked for mirth, so proudly, not smart at all

O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed.

Happy (Led by God) will be the one that rewards you as you have served us. Happy (Led by God) will be the one that takes and dashes your little ones against the rocks.

As Spurgeon points out, it was a prophetic word, speaking of Cyrus, who was to come. The word “happy” in English is actually a crazy, crazy word to use here with our understanding of the word, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (and certainly of none of their children).

Rather it comes from the Hebrew word for “straight, on a level path, to be led by God” that Justice would be served. And then God would sort out the hereafter. Many mysteries there.

Blessings all Steve

Stephen Williamson Computing Services Pty Ltd
www.swcs.com.au/aboutus.asp

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