Exegetical Study of Psalm 137 and Its Application in the African Context

Abstract

Psalm 137 is recognized as one of the most emotionally profound and theologically complex texts in the Psalter. It has been a subject of significant debate due to its imprecatory tone and relevance in modern society. Many critics argue that the violent imprecatory expressions found in Psalm, especially in verses 7-9, are theologically incompatible with New Testament ethics. They base this belief on the ethical principles of non-retaliation and forgiveness, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:43-44, suggesting that such expressions have no place in modern Christian worship or theology.   While compelling arguments have been made regarding the relevance of Psalm 137, there remains a noticeable gap in scholarly engagement with the psalm as a meaningful articulation of justice, memory, and spiritual resistance within contemporary African Christian contexts. This paper offers a critical exegetical and theological analysis of Psalm 137, examining its literary structure, historical context, and relevance within contemporary African Christian communities. The paper argues that this psalm presents a theologically coherent response to communal trauma, loss, and spiritual exile. Employing historical-critical and literary-exegetical approaches, the study situates the Psalm within the socio-political realities of the Babylonian exile and explores its rhetorical movement from silence and sorrow to memory and protest. It further engages scholarly perspectives on divine justice, lament, and imprecatory prayer, particularly through the works of Brueggemann, Zenger, Kraus, and Ahn. Finally, the paper explores how Psalm 137 legitimizes lament and appeals for justice in African liturgical and theological contexts marked by historical oppression and social injustice. It concludes that the Psalm’s intense emotional expression is both theologically valid and spiritually necessary, as it exemplifies a faithful manner of entrusting profound suffering and longing for justice to God. The study contributes significantly to biblical and contextual theology through a comprehensive analysis of Psalm 137, situating it within the African Christian context, where it can serve as a model of faithful protest and spiritual resilience in the face of historical and ongoing injustices.