Psalms 137:7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
Original Language Analysis
זְכֹ֤ר
Remember
H2142
זְכֹ֤ר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
יְהוָ֨ה׀
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִבְנֵ֬י
the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֬י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֱד֗וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֗וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
4 of 13
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
אֵת֮
H853
אֵת֮
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
י֤וֹם
in the day
H3117
י֤וֹם
in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יְֽרוּשָׁ֫לִָ֥ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְֽרוּשָׁ֫לִָ֥ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
7 of 13
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
עָ֑רוּ
Rase
H6168
עָ֑רוּ
Rase
Strong's:
H6168
Word #:
9 of 13
to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish
עָ֑רוּ
Rase
H6168
עָ֑רוּ
Rase
Strong's:
H6168
Word #:
10 of 13
to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish
עַ֝֗ד
H5704
עַ֝֗ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
11 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Habakkuk 3:13Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.Amos 1:11Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:Ezekiel 35:2Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,Psalms 74:18Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.Exodus 17:14And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.Hosea 7:2And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.1 Samuel 15:2Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
Historical Context
Edom occupied land south of the Dead Sea, perpetually in conflict with Israel despite kinship (Genesis 25-36). During Babylon's siege, Edomites aided attackers, cut off escapees (Obadiah 11-14), and plundered ruins. This infamous betrayal became shorthand for ultimate treachery—brother turning on brother in catastrophe.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process rage at betrayal—and what's the difference between imprecatory prayer and sinful revenge?
- When have you experienced 'Edomite' Christians who rejoiced in your downfall?
- What does it mean to entrust justice to God while still naming evil clearly and honestly?
Analysis & Commentary
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem (זְכֹר יְהוָה לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם)—The imprecatory cry for justice. Zakhor (remember) invokes God's attention to Edom's betrayal. Yom Yerushalaim (the day of Jerusalem) refers to 586 BC when Babylon destroyed the city. Who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof (הָאֹמְרִים עָרוּ עָרוּ עַד הַיְסוֹד בָּהּ)—aru (strip bare/demolish) repeated intensifies the violence. Edom, Israel's brother-nation (descended from Esau), cheered Jerusalem's destruction.
Obadiah and Ezekiel 35 prophesy Edom's judgment for this betrayal. The imprecation isn't personal vendetta but covenant justice—God must vindicate His reputation and judge treachery. Romans 12:19 forbids personal vengeance while affirming divine wrath.