Psalm 137 - Sons of Korah
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- Psalm 137 points back to the lowest period in the history of the people of God: the Babylonian captivity. Jerusalem suffered a cruel defeat under the Babylonian Army (605-586 BC). The city was laid waste and those who were not killed were taken into exile. It was a common practice of conquering nations in the Ancient Near East, to prevent against nationalist uprisings in conquered territories, to deport the large proportion of conquered peoples far away from their home land. The idea was that after some time their identity and faith would be lost as the people were assimilated into the foreign culture. Judah remained in exile for 70 years and in this time the flame of the covenant faith continued to burn. However the very experience of being in Babylon was a painful one for a people whose whole identity was caught up in their nationality, faith, and the glory of Jerusalem and the temple which stood at the centre of Jewish life.
The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army had been a devastating one. Read the book of Lamentations which is a vivid description of the destroyed city by Jeremiah who had warned the people many times before this event came. The defeat was a cruel one. Moreover it was bought about to the great delight of the neighbours of Judah, such as Edom, who applauded the cruelty. The Psalm, then, recalls the people's grief as they lived in captivity amidst the system of canals that spread throughout the Babylonian region (vs.1). Musical instruments were generally associated with rejoicing and so when the Babylonians asked for a demonstration of their renowned music ability they refused (vss.2-4). The gesture of putting away their instruments was symbolic of the fact that there is no joy apart from God. The vow to never forget Jerusalem was a vow of utmost piety and a gesture in defiance of the enemy's attempt to try and squash their faith by taking them so far away from their home. The psalmist turns his anger upon the Babylonian empire who did these things. The anger of the words that follow match the zeal of the writer.
The Babylonians did terrible things to the people of Jerusalem. Those who were not deported were killed ' this included children ' even those in the wombs of their mothers. This was prophesied by Hosea (if you feel brave you could read Hosea 13:16). The practice of killing infants in the ancient times represented the absolute destruction of a people. Progeny were seen as the continuation of a person's life so the destruction of children was like rubbing a person's name out from existence ' it was the worst of all curses. According to the principle of the Genesis 12:3, then, the psalmist, in his righteous indignation, declares the curse back on the heads of those who did these things.The Relevance of Psalm 137 for the Christian lies first of all in the spiritual solidarity that all God's people share. Abraham's children, said Jesus and Paul, are those who have the faith of Abraham. These belong to the great family of God. Psalm 137 remembers one of the most significant times in our history. The psalm carries an important lesson for us. Lest we are tempted to stray from the faith into which we have been called we should remember that there is no joy when we are far from God. But for the Christian there is an even deeper significance in psalm 137. Our promised land is heaven ' the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21) ' the new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17ff) ' the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:28,29; 14:15ff; 22:14). If we forget the Kingdom of God (and Jesus told us to seek first the Kingdom of God ' Matt. 6:33), may God chastise us severely lest we become assimilated into the world and our identity and faith is lost. If we forget the New Jerusalem, that is, if we become satisfied with our life here on earth in captivity to the corrupt nature of our mortal bodies (Rom. 7:24b cf. Gal. 5:17), if our sojourn here (Hebrews 11:13; 1Peter 1:17) becomes too settled, if we are not continually longing for the coming of God's kingdom (Rom. 8:23), may God bring upon us such chastisement that we will be bought to our senses. The forces of evil in heavenly realms wage war against the Kingdom of God (Eph. 6:12). They delight in the downfall of the Christian and they work tirelessly to take us captive and to snuff out our faith and hope. But may God bring about their own downfall as he has said he will do. May God cut off the memory of the evil one from the earth and may that destruction be absolute. This is the way we understand the reflection and prayer of Psalm 137.
Matt Jacoby - Leader Sons of Korah
I was on my knees crying out to God the other day, crying from a heart of repentance and of thankfulness. I could hear my music playing in the loungeroom and started thanking the Lord for this group. They sing the scriptures so beautifully. Praise God
It's so wonderful when pure scripture is turned into a song. (This is far better than Boney M's version!) Thank you for this. Hallelujah!
This Psalm makes me weep. Illuminating. Speechless. Thank you.
It must be so spiritually beneficial for the lead singer especially to know all these psalms by heart... I’ve been listening for months and months almost everyday all day whilst at work, and I’m really getting to know the words as I sing along and my soul is growing... but to know them by heart is a goal of mine
It is awesome music. I love your music which enables me to be still and know the my Heavenly Father is in control.
Wow praise the LORD JESUS!
Great music, even better writing of history and back story of this psalm.
Two different stories, two different countries: I now view America this way. History was indeed repeat itself and there is nothing new under the sun.
"The practice of killing infants in the ancient times represented the absolute destruction of a people." In ancient and in modern times ... . Hard to comprehend people who celebrate the right to chop up children in the womb, in the birth canal and even after birth. May their eyes be opened. The captivity in Babylon is a sober warning for us today to walk in His ways and keep His commandments. Wonderful interpretation, awesome musical talent. Hallelu-Yah!
You're always so good Matt. Love your songs and your team of singers. God Bless you Abundantly Pastor Jacoby. You may not remember me from Geelong. Now in Melbourne.
Love your music, am forever spreading the word here in the UK!
Andrea Benson same 😂 truly a blessing to have them
Guys can you please organize your stuff by album? 🙏 all I wanted this afternoon was to go on Spotify or Apple Music or RUclips and listen to Redemption Songs like I did when I was a kid, I loved that album and it was really disappointing to not find it. Just a request! But honestly I find it really strange you mostly have newer singles up, your old stuff was great as well. Sorry if I sound grumpy, my head isn’t quite on straight today lol
Just beautiful
Thank you! 😊
I’m in Texas USA and listen to SOK every day. Will you perform a concert and upload it to RUclips during quarantine? Your music has helped me to grow in bible literacy so much as I listen to your songs and open my bible to read and research and understand the backstory. God is so gracious and growing His church during this time. Thank you for your ministry.
Hi there. Thanks for your message of encouragement. Yes given we have had to suspend touring we are currently working on a live concert stream. Blessings. SOK.
Keep it up guys you rock hard!
It's amazing as we live the words of this song everyday! the music is a little bit louder than the words, making it a bit difficult for me to understand what you're saying! other than this, it is amazing
I love your videos, and your music is always stunning!
💗
Wish you guys would do more!!!
HalleluYAH!
What tuning is this in please?
HaleluJAH
jammer niet op spotify.. wat een pracht nummer
Why is the name of this group called Sons of Korah ?
The name “Sons of Korah” comes from a group of Old Testament Levitical musicians to whom at least 13 of the Psalms are attributed. The original Sons of Korah were responsible for the ministry of music and song in the Old Testament worship and particularly with the musical composition and performance of the psalms.
What follows is the remarkable story of this family according to the brief records of the Bible.
The Story of the Sons of Korah is a wonderful story of God’s grace. In the Old Testament text of the Psalms reference is made to those who were involved in the composition of the psalms. Psalms 42 to 49 as well as Psalms 84 to 88 are attributed to a group known as the “Sons of Korah” (see the small print titles under the numbers of the psalms). It appears that this family of musicians were descendants of the same Korah who led a rebellion against Moses in the desert (Numbers 16). This was a serious crime that led to serious consequences for all those involved. We read that God caused the ground to open up and swallow all those who were involved in the rebellion along with their families (vs31ff).
The idea of a judgement like this that involved the wiping out of the rebels as well as their families was that the line of the rebellious should not continue in the earth. It is therefore quite surprising that in Numbers 26:11 we read the words: “The line of Korah, however, did not die out.” And sure enough as we follow the genealogies through Chronicles we see that that the line of Korah did indeed continue.
According to 1 Chronicles 6:31ff, David, when he was organising the different tasks for the temple worship, assigned the ministry of song for a large part to the Kohathites. The head of this group was Heman who is the writer of Psalm 88 and more significantly is a direct descendant of Korah the Kohathite. Hence the psalm is also attributed to the Sons of Korah.
It seems that at some point this musical family came to be called after their rebellious forefather. Korah was an infamous historical figure in the Israelite consciousness, remembered as an example of rebellion against God. To be related to him would have been a notable thing, though not necessarily a negative thing. The continuing existence of this family line was a testimony to the grace of God who, although he would be right to wipe out the memory of sinful men from the earth, is nevertheless forgiving and whose heart is always for restoration and redemption rather than for destruction. The Sons of Korah were therefore a living testimony to God’s grace. They certainly had much to sing about. We feel the same way.
Sons of Korah
Where can i buy your music for my phone?
Hi there. We've just launched an APP which provides you with ALL our music with a small quarterly subscription. Alternatively you can purchase individual albums. Both are available from our online store: www.5iveonline.com
Lol why in the world would they name the band after the rebels against Moses?
Hi there. Thanks for your interest in our music and ministry. The name “Sons of Korah” comes from a group of Old Testament Levitical musicians to whom at least 13 of the Psalms are attributed. The original Sons of Korah were responsible for the ministry of music and song in the Old Testament worship and particularly with the musical composition and performance of the psalms.
What follows is the remarkable story of this family according to the brief records of the Bible.
The Story of the Sons of Korah is a wonderful story of God’s grace. In the Old Testament text of the Psalms reference is made to those who were involved in the composition of the psalms. Psalms 42 to 49 as well as Psalms 84 to 88 are attributed to a group known as the “Sons of Korah” (see the small print titles under the numbers of the psalms). It appears that this family of musicians were descendants of the same Korah who led a rebellion against Moses in the desert (Numbers 16). This was a serious crime that led to serious consequences for all those involved. We read that God caused the ground to open up and swallow all those who were involved in the rebellion along with their families (vs31ff).
The idea of a judgement like this that involved the wiping out of the rebels as well as their families was that the line of the rebellious should not continue in the earth. It is therefore quite surprising that in Numbers 26:11 we read the words: “The line of Korah, however, did not die out.” And sure enough as we follow the genealogies through Chronicles we see that that the line of Korah did indeed continue.
According to 1 Chronicles 6:31ff, David, when he was organising the different tasks for the temple worship, assigned the ministry of song for a large part to the Kohathites. The head of this group was Heman who is the writer of Psalm 88 and more significantly is a direct descendant of Korah the Kohathite. Hence the psalm is also attributed to the Sons of Korah.
It seems that at some point this musical family came to be called after their rebellious forefather. Korah was an infamous historical figure in the Israelite consciousness, remembered as an example of rebellion against God. To be related to him would have been a notable thing, though not necessarily a negative thing. The continuing existence of this family line was a testimony to the grace of God who, although he would be right to wipe out the memory of sinful men from the earth, is nevertheless forgiving and whose heart is always for restoration and redemption rather than for destruction. The Sons of Korah were therefore a living testimony to God’s grace. They certainly had much to sing about. We feel the same way.
For some reason, the last two (obviously Satanic) lines of the Psalm are omitted from the song. NIV: "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks".
It is not satanic, but maybe they felt these lines were to strong to sing.
@@Magnusjaaa Celebrating the murder of babies is not Satanic? Then nothing is.
@@lauterunvollkommenheit4344 Have you read the stories of when God gave Israel their land? They also had to kill the children in the land.
Thank God we are not in this situation today. Where God use us to pour His judgement on other nations.
Maybe you take this to literal, it is actually a revenge that happens, they killed the infants of Israel, then the song says happy is he who does the same back.
Eye for an eye.
Maybe you also hold this life to dear, you know, the body you have does not live forever. It is the spirit that is you. So all infants will go back to Heaven, they will not live on and be sacrificed or molested, which were normal in those times.
@@Magnusjaaa Unbelievably, you're defending the murder of children. And, perhaps even more unbelievably, you're accusing God of ordering the murder.
Thank you for the conversation.
@@lauterunvollkommenheit4344 have you read the bible? Its there, God commanded Israel to destroy the peoples and take their land. Because their meassure of sin was full.
Maybe you believe in another god?