Day 21 – Willow

(Salix)

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.  We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” Psalm 137:1-3 KJV

From the context of Psalm 137, the author seems to have been in exile after the fall of Jerusalem around 587 BC and may have been that one of the musicians taken to the courts of Babylon was an entertainer. It was common practice for the conquering nation to take musicians from the captives for their enjoyment, but from the writing style it is indicated that the poet was rather looking back to those days with the Babylonian exile very fresh in the minds and hearts of God’s people. This Psalm was an encouragement and comfort to God’s desponded people – but God was going to help them to rise again as a nation.

The willow symbolises hope and celebration rooted in the promises of God. When it feels like all has been lost and we want to hang up our worship songs like these harps in Psalms, lovely one, I assure you I understand how difficult it is to put your hope in God when it feels like everything is lost and destroyed and giving up seems like the only option – but God has bigger plan for restoration rooted in hope. The willows may be weeping, but you will be looking back on your exile period and rejoice in the hope of your Saviour.

Prayer: Father, learning from the willow has taught us that there is always hope in You, just like You had a restoration plan for your nation and a redemption plan for all humanity – You have a plan for me too. Thank You, Lord, that I can place my hope in You and know that it is anchored in faith through the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza