Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. We hanged our harps upon the willows ] The µybr[ arabim or willows were very plentiful in Babylon. The great quantity of them that were on the banks of the Euphrates caused Isaiah, xv. 7, to call it the brook or river of willows. This is a most affecting picture. Perhaps resting themselves after toil, and wishing to spend their time religiously, they took their harps, and were about to sing one of the songs of Zion; but, reflecting on their own country, they became so filled with distress, that they unstrung their harps with one consent, and hung them on the willow bushes, and gave a general loose to their grief. Some of the Babylonians, who probably attended such meetings for the sake of the music, being present at the time here specified, desired them to sing one of Zion's songs: this is affectingly told.
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 ערבים6155 בתוכה8432 תלינו8518 כנרותינו׃3658
