Definition: If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 137:5 – it’s a really beautiful and poignant verse. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a mourner who remembers someone dearly and feels deeply sorrowful when they don’t see them again. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If I forget thee…” – This is the core of the verse. The speaker is expressing profound sadness and loss. They are saying, “I will miss you very much.” “…O Jerusalem…” – This refers to Jerusalem, which was a significant city in ancient Israel. It's not just a physical place, but also represents God’s presence and the remembrance of His people. “…let my right hand forget her…” – This is where it gets really interesting. “Right hand” here doesn’t mean a literal hand. It means the memory of Jerusalem. The speaker is saying that their memory of Jerusalem will fade, becoming lost and forgotten. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as: A Memory of God: It suggests a deep, personal remembrance of God and His people. When we remember Him, it's a powerful reminder of our connection to Him. The End of a Relationship: It can be seen as a metaphor for the end of a relationship – a friendship, a love, or even a bond with God. When that relationship ends, the memory fades. A Reminder of Our Mortality: It acknowledges our own mortality and the fact that everything eventually fades. Important Context - The Psalm It's From This verse is part of a larger poem called the Lamentation. It’s written during a time when the mourner (likely David) was grieving the death of his friend Goliath. The sorrowful imagery highlights the pain of loss and the enduring power of remembrance. In short, this verse is a deeply emotional expression of grief, remembering someone we've lost, and recognizing the fading nature of memory. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Explore its connection to other biblical themes (like loss or remembrance)?