Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. By the rivers of Babylon ] These might have been the Tigris and Euphrates, or their branches, or streams that flowed into them. In their captivity and dispersion, it was customary for the Jews to hold their religious meetings on the banks of rivers. Mention is made of this Acts xvi. 13, where we find the Jews of Philippi resorting to a river side, where prayer was wont to be made. And sometimes they built their synagogues here, when they were expelled from the cities.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - Their enemies had carried the Jews captive from their own land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they required of the mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also profane, for no song would serve but the songs of Zion. Scoffers are not to be compile with. They do not say, How shall we sing, when we are so much i sorrow? but, It is the Lord's song, therefore we dare not sing it amon idolaters.
Original Hebrew על5921 נהרות5104 בבל894 שׁם8033 ישׁבנו3427 גם1571 בכינו1058 בזכרנו2142 את853 ציון׃6726
