Psalm 137 is rather infamous in Christian circles for its bloodthirsty final verse: "Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!" (vs. 9) Is this really an appropriate sentiment to be included in the Bible? Is this truly God's Word?
I would offer two observations. First, the final verse can really only be understood and appreciated within the context of all that goes before, both literary and historical. This psalm is the product of the exile community in Babylon; they are grieving over the loss of their homeland and the destruction of Jerusalem. They witnessed incredible brutality against their people by their captors. Perhaps they saw their own little ones dashed against rocks? While this doesn't make such revenge killings right, it does allow us to recognize the pain in their heart.
Second, it is essential to keep in mind the concept of "genre" when reading the Bible. The books of writing, for instance, are not the same kind of theological teaching tool you might find in, say, the law books. Prophets, for instance, are regarded as speaking the words of God to man. The psalms, by contrast, are understood to be man's words to God. Psalm 137 is a venting of the pain and fury of those who have been defeated and displaced by their bitter enemy Babylon, who they now have to serve. The Bible isn't commending the idea of infanticide of one's enemy; it is expressing the depth of anguish of those who have been hurt so terribly and giving voice to their primal thirst for vengeance. It is an acknowledgement of bitter pain and anger rather than a denial of reality.
I believe that the Bible is always truthful about the human condition.
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