River of babylon meaning origin. The lyric is based on the Biblical Psalm 137:1-4, a hymn expressing the yearnings of the Jewish people in exile following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. 's 'Rivers of Babylon' is more than just a foot-tapping disco classic; it's an incisive narrative set in melody, weaving history, spirituality, and cultural identity into its vibrant fabric. org Dec 9, 2019 · The lyrical foundation of “Rivers of Babylon” is indeed Biblical in origin. In its whole form of nine verses, the psalm reflects the yearning for Jerusalem as well as hatred for the Holy City's enemies with sometimes violent imagery. Psalm 137 is a hymn expressing the yearnings of the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile. Jul 16, 2025 · By the rivers of Babylon, the exiled Israelites express profound longing for their homeland, a sentiment deeply embedded in the symbolic imagery of flowing waters and distant shores. Apr 13, 2025 · In Early Christianity, Rivers of Babylon signifies a poignant biblical reference depicting a state of captivity and sorrow. The recurring phrase, "By the rivers of . is a song that draws its lyrical inspiration from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Psalms, more specifically Psalms 137. The “Rivers of Babylon” motif, found primarily in Psalm 137:1, carries profound emotional and theological significance. The lyrics convey a profound sense of longing, nostalgia, and despair as they explore themes of exile, displacement, and the struggle to maintain one's identity and faith in a foreign land. The song's lyrics are primarily drawn from Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 137, expressing the exile of the Israelites in Babylon and their yearning for Zion. See full list on jewishhistory. They are derived from the Book of Psalms, specifically the 19 th and 137 th chapters. The phrase "By the Rivers of Babylon" is most prominently associated with Psalm 137, a poignant lament of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. "Rivers of Babylon" is far more than just a catchy disco tune; it's a deeply spiritual song rooted in biblical lament and longing for redemption. Babylon (/ ˈbæbɪlɒn / BAB-il-on) was an ancient city located on the lower Euphrates river in southern Mesopotamia, within modern-day Hillah, Iraq, about 85 kilometres (53 miles) south of modern-day Baghdad. Jul 26, 2020 · Rivers of Babylon — Boney M’s hit has a history stretching back thousands of years The song’s story is a tale of exile, lamentation, liberation — and disco Jan 13, 2013 · The history of "Rivers Of Babylon" begins way back, centuries before pop charts. It illustrates not only the despair and longing of the exiled Israelites but also highlights themes of identity, memory, and hope in the face of adversity. Jan 22, 2024 · Boney M. Jul 28, 2020 · By the rivers of Babylon: Why a 2,500-year-old Hebrew poem still matters On July 29, Jews around the world will observe Tisha B’av commemorating destruction of two temples in Jerusalem, first by Jan 15, 2024 · "Rivers of Babylon" by Boney M. Babylon functioned as the main cultural and political centre of the Akkadian-speaking region of Babylonia. The rivers of Babylon are the Euphrates river, its tributaries, and the Tigris river. Through its intoxicating rhythms, the song manages to convey a story of displacement, loss, and the resilient spirit of a people torn from their homeland. The psalm captures the deep sorrow and longing for Jerusalem experienced by the exiles. It illustrates the profound grief of inhabitants lamenting their lost homeland, serving as a powerful symbol of exile. zeps vu dbso q16 bgcb8 8wh1y jfum 9jmb4jao ohqrg e4dz