By the rivers of Babylon The Euphrates and the canals derived from it, which were many, and filled with running, not stagnant, water. These would present themselves to the exiles as "rivers." There we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
The exiles had their leisure hours—they were not kept by their masters at hard work continually. During these leisure hours they naturally "sat down" by the rivers of Babylon, as the most pleasant and attractive places.
They brought their harps with them (Psalms 137:2), with some idea, perhaps, of indulging in mournful strains. Grief, however, overpowered them—Zion came to their recollection-and they could do nothing but weep.