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A Guide to Preaching Psalm 137

 

From the Margins


Psalm 137 bears tremendous witness to  the pain of exile and the complexities of human response to oppression – (to say the least.) For preachers, this Psalm offers a rich, though challenging, canvas to explore themes of lament, justice, memory, and resilience. Addressing this passage from the perspective of a liberationist theologian requires careful navigation, a deep empathy for human suffering, and a critical engagement with the injustices that underlie the text. I offer here some key components to consider when preaching from Psalm 137

  1. Contextualize the Exile: Begin by setting the historical and socio-political context for the peoples' exile to Babylon. Understanding the backdrop of displacement, cultural erasure, and imperial domination is crucial for unpacking the emotional and theological layers of the Psalm. This grounding helps the (congregation) grasp the reasons behind the deep-seated grief and anger expressed in the text.
  2. Acknowledge the Pain: Recognize and validate the deep sense of loss and displacement articulated in the Psalm. Preaching on this passage offers an opportunity to connect with anyone in the congregation who has experienced or is experiencing similar feelings of alienation, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This recognition can be a powerful affirmation that their experiences and emotions are seen and valued by the faith community.
  3. Confront the Difficult Verses: Do not skip over them. The latter part of Psalm 137, particularly verse 9, can be unsettling. Is unsettling. Address these verses directly, discussing their hyperbolic expression of a desire for retribution. Highlight how such expressions of anger and vengeance, while not prescriptive, are part of the human lexicon of suffering. Discuss the dangers of literal interpretations and encourage a deeper exploration of the underlying feelings of injustice and pain and the desire for reparation.
  4. Themes of Memory and Identity: Explore how memory functions in the Psalm, both as a source of pain and a tool for resistance. The command to "remember Jerusalem" serves as a call to hold onto identity and faith amidst the pressures to assimilate or forget. Discuss the importance of memory in maintaining cultural and spiritual identity, especially for communities on the margins.
  5. Implications for Justice and Liberation: Use the Psalm as a springboard to discuss broader issues of justice and liberation. Consider the implications of the text for understanding and responding to contemporary situations of oppression and displacement. How does the Psalm inspire us to act justly and advocate for those who are marginalized and oppressed in today’s world? You may also consider talking with people who you know have experiences of alienation and may feel a sense of exile. Some of them are sitting in your congregations. If the exile resonates with you the preacher, then consider sharing some of that in your sermon.
  6. Preaching Hope and Resilience: It is important to name and treat the lament and the struggle. Depending on the type of context in which you are preaching, it is also important to point towards hope and resilience. You can preach on the possibilities of redemption and restoration, emphasizing that even in the depths of despair, there is a promise of divine presence and eventual justice. If/when you add this, be sure to do so as an AND, not as a BUT. This will hold and honor the tension in the passage.

Points to Help Craft Your Sermon


  • Start with Empathy: Begin your sermon by acknowledging the pain in the room. Relate the historical pain of the people in the passage to modern struggles against oppression and injustice.
  • Use Inclusive Language: Ensure that your language is inclusive, reflecting the broad spectrum of experiences in your congregation and beyond.
  • Incorporate Voices from the Margins: Bring in perspectives from various marginalized communities, using stories or quotes that resonate with the themes of Psalm 137.
  • Challenge the Congregation: Encourage your listeners to reflect on their own responses to injustice. Challenge them to consider how they might be called to support liberation and justice in their contexts.
  • Offer Concrete Steps: Conclude with practical suggestions for how members can engage with issues of injustice, whether through education, advocacy, or direct action. You will know which direction to guide the thinking of your congregation in. Be sure to hold space for the people.

Preaching Psalm 137 especially from a liberationist perspective will challenge the congregation to engage with difficult aspects of scripture as well as will invite them to partake in a broader dialogue about suffering, justice, and redemption. Through this approach, the Psalm becomes a bridge, connecting ancient laments with contemporary struggles, and calling the faithful to a deeper commitment to justice and solidarity with the oppressed.

Happy preaching!

#preaching #psalm137 #liberationisttheology #preachinghelp

Born and raised on The Gem of the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda), I am an immigrant living in the U.S. with my Fantastic Four and High School boops.

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