What does Psalm 137:5 mean?

The psalmist is among those carried into exile by Babylon (Daniel 1:1–3). In sorrow, the musicians hang their instruments in the trees, too sad to sing (Psalm 137:1–2). Their abductors mock them by asking to hear songs about the Israelite homeland (Psalm 137:3). To sing would be hard enough, but those songs also remind Israel of why they have been exiled in the first place (Deuteronomy 28:1, 64).

This verse continues with the theme of a musician deep in grief. The right hand is a common ancient reference to a person's primary skill or strength (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 18:35). Here, the psalmist refuses to forget what has happened to his people and their capital city (2 Chronicles 36:17–21). He would rather lose his ability to play music and to sing (Psalm 137:6) than fail to recall these events. Another possible implication is being disabled: that the person's primary means of work would become useless. The most important goal of the psalmist is the restoration of Jerusalem.

Memory also plays into the psalmist's upcoming plea for vengeance. He remembers what enemies like Edom and Babylon have done and will pray that God subjects them to the exact same misery (Psalm 137:7–9).