What does Psalm 137:3 mean?

The captive people of Israel (Daniel 1:1–3) are too deep in grief to sing songs or play music. They sit under trees growing near Babylon's extensive canal system and set their instruments aside (Psalm 137:1–2). This emotion is made worse by teasing from their oppressors. The Babylonians are mockingly calling on the Israelites to sing about Zion—another name for Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). This was the very city destroyed and ravaged by Babylonian invaders (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). To be defeated and exiled from home is difficult enough; adding ridicule would make the situation even worse. Grief will soon turn to bitterness as the people pray for the Lord to avenge their situation (Psalm 137:7–9).

Satan often uses mockery as a tactic to break believers' resolve to honor the Lord. Goliath ridiculed David (1 Samuel 17:42–44). Second Kings 2:23 describes teenaged boys ridiculing Elisha. When Nehemiah and his fellow Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, enemies "jeered" at them (Nehemiah 4:1–4). Despite his innocence, Job received ridicule from so-called friends during his time of suffering (Job 12:4). Jesus, too, was the object of ridicule. Matthew 27:27–31 describes how the governor's soldiers mocked Him while abusing His body.