Singing the Lords Song in a Strange Land
Psalm 137:1-9
Judah is being led into captivity by Babylon in this passage. They are also being mocked by their captors who are requesting them to sing them the songs of Zion. Judah’s response in verse 4 is “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” In this sermon we are going to learn some key things regarding music from the bible and make a spiritual application has to why we should sing the Lord’s song in the strange land we live in today.
It is interesting to compare this Psalm with Psalm 126. In Psalm 126 the captivity is turned and note that they are rejoicing and singing. We are like this in many ways, it is easy to sing when you are on the mountain top but not in the valley. But the valley is where we will need the songs the most.
Why is Music so Important?
Music is something that affects the spirit of man like nothing else (Ephesians 5:18-20 ; Colossians 3:16). When we look at music through the Bible this should not surprise us.
- Origins of music (Ezekiel 28:12-15 ; Job 38:1-7)
- God’s music (Exodus 15:1-2 ; 1 Samuel 16:14-23)
- Satan’s music (Exodus 32:15-25 ; Daniel 3)
Why should we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?
1) To remember the greatness of God (Psalm 137:5-6)
- Exodus 15:1-2 ; 1 Samuel 22:1-8 ; Acts 16:25
- The songs of the Lord admonish us (Deuteronomy 31 & 32 ; Psalm 106:12)
2) For motivation in the moment (Psalm 137:6)
- Note the songs in the night (Psalm 42:8 ; 77:6)
- Tribulations teach us songs (Revelation 14:3)
3) To have Hope for tomorrow (Psalm 137:7-9)
- Our victory is usually a warning from someone else (Isaiah 35:8-10 ; Revelation 5:9)