Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. They that carried us away captive required of us a song ] This was as unreasonable as it was insulting. How could they who had reduced us to slavery, and dragged us in chains from our own beautiful land and privileges, expect us to sing a sacred ode to please them, who were enemies both to us and to our God? And how could those who wasted us expect mirth from people in captivity, deprived of all their possessions, and in the most abject state of poverty and oppression?
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 כי3588 שׁם8033 שׁאלונו7592 שׁובינו7617 דברי1697 שׁיר7892 ותוללינו8437 שׂמחה8057 שׁירו7891 לנו משׁיר7892 ציון׃6726
