Psalm 137 : 'n (on)christelike Psalm?

Abstract

Christians tend to be horrified and embarrassed by the bloodthirstiness of Psalm 137, especially in the light of Jesus' command to forgive one's enemies. A prayer, which rejoices in the cold blooded murder of innocent children, seems totally unchristian. However, the psalm is part of the Christian canon, and therefore it cannot be ignored. It is the aim of this article to show that Psalm 137 can and should take its rightful place in the life and worship of the Christian Church.