FAITH CHALLENGE

Psalm 137

Week 1: Lament

Scripture: Psalm 137

Memory Verse: If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (CEV)

Concepts:

· Remembering past crises helps us to avoid future crises.

· Expressing grief and anger in prayer helps us defuse our feelings so that we do not act them out.

· Even when our prayers express feelings that are unpleasant or scary, God hears us and loves us.

· It is often children who suffer most from war.

Objectives:

· Students will experience a simulated exodus.

· Students will lament over their journey with music.

· Students will examine Psalm 137 in light of their simulated experience of exile and their own despairs today.

Gathering Time/Introductions (Coach)

These instructions include some suggestions for setting a tone for the class: gruff and business-like. However, some students may be very sensitive and not inclined to “play along.” Try to gauge the mood of the class before striking too stern a pose with them.

1. Before class, the coaches and guide should dress like soldiers. They should each carry a large stick or sword. Through all of the gathering time, all of the adults in the room are gruff and business-like, and not very nice at all.

2. At the beginning of the class, the Coach herds the students into the classroom and passes out meager snacks (saltines and water would be good).

3. The Guide and Coach order students to write prayer joys and concerns on the Prayer Wall and to place their offering in the offering jars.

4. As students gather, make them put on a piece of Biblical clothing or shawl from the costume box.

5. The Coach introduces the Guide who leads the lesson. Remain in soldier character for most of the class.

Workshop Lesson Procedure: (Guide takes over from here)

Note to Guide:

The companion lesson for this unit is a “crime-scene investigation” lesson in which the students are to look for clues and gather information about what happened in Judah between 597 and 586 BCE. Because some students will have the Psalm 137 lesson first, it is very important not to give away too many details about the exile itself. The following are two separate introductions: one to introduce the lesson to students who have not done the crime scene investigation and one to introduce it to students who have. The “Pre-CSI Introduction” provides an opportunity for review of the Kings and Prophets lessons (done in FC just before this unit). The “Post-CSI Introduction” provides an opportunity to review what the students learned in the crime-scene investigation lesson.

Throughout this lesson, the destination of the exile will be presented as “a faraway land/Babylon.” Use “faraway land” for pre-CSI students and “Babylon” for post-CSI students. The Babylonians will be presented as captors/Babylonians. Use “captors” for pre-CSI students and “Babylonians” for post-CSI students.

Pre-CSI Introduction:

Introduce the topic of study for the next few weeks. We are studying a very sad time in the history of the Israelites, when they were forced to leave their home and travel to a faraway land. This story occurs in the Old Testament during the timeline period of “God judges and redeems a nation”.

The Israelites saw this forced exodus as the result of their lack of faith in God and had been warned that they would have to leave the promised land if they did not worship God faithfully and obey God’s laws. Review with the students some of the ways the Israelites had been unfaithful and some of the people who had warned them about impending punishment. Conduct this review as a question-and-answer session to see how much from previous FC lessons they can recall:

From King David:

• God had never intended for Israel to have a king, but the Israelites demanded a king so they could be like the other nations. Samuel agrees to anoint a king (Saul), but warns the people that God will one day judge them for their unfaithfulness.
• King Saul proves to be unfaithful and God regrets having made him king. God tells Samuel to anoint David king.
• David is a very powerful and successful king and he establishes his throne in Jerusalem and longs to build a temple there. But God says that it is David’s son, Solomon, who will build the temple instead. Solomon builds a magnificent temple and becomes very wise and rich, but also very corrupt: he marries many foreign wives and allows them to worship their gods in the temple.

From Elijah and Josiah:

• David and Solomon’s glorious kingdom is divided after they die into a northern kingdom and a southern kingdom. One of the northern kings, Ahab, continues to allow other gods to be worshipped. God sends Elijah to warn Ahab that God will surely punish him unless he changes his ways. Ahab refuses to do so.
• One of the southern kings, Josiah, discovers the book of the law of Moses (Deuteronomy) in the temple in Jerusalem. He consults the prophetess Huldah about this book. She tells him that Judas has sinned very seriously. He is very sad that the nation has been so unfaithful for so long and decides to change things. He restores temple worship, removes idols from the temple, and tears down the “high places” where other gods are worshipped. He has all of Judah rededicate itself to the service of God. But it is too late, and the people of Judah must leave behind the promised land and the beautiful temple.

Post-CSI Introduction:

Review with the students what they learned from their crime-scene investigation lesson: the exile of the Israelites from Jerusalem to Babylon. This story occurs in the Old Testament during the timeline period of “God judges and redeems a nation”.

The kingdom of King David has undergone many changes. The nation is no longer united. After King Solomon, it was divided into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC The southern kingdom survived until 600 BC when it was crushed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The temple was destroyed and thousands of people were exiled to Babylon. Many were killed. As warned by the prophets, the Israelites understood the collapse and exile of Judah as a decisive move by God. The people of Judah and Jerusalem had made the Lord so angry that He finally turned his back on them. That’s why these horrible things were happening. The Lord warned that someday the treasures would be taken from the royal palace and from the temple, and now they were living the nightmare.

Application:

Explain: Today we are going to play a game. It is a Refugee simulation game. We will try to simulate some of the feelings and emotions of what it might have felt like for the Israelites to be exiled. Of course, we could never truly experience the horror of it, but we will try to provoke thought of what it was like for those who were exiled from their homeland and everything that they previously knew.

Objective of the game: to survive the journey to a faraway land.

There are two major roles – the captors who are soldiers from a faraway land/Babylon, and the Israelites. The youth will be Israelite refugees under the control of the soldier guide and coaches. Ask the kids if they are willing to participate in this game/drama. Their job is to go along with and respond to the events and instructions in a way that is suitable for the situation. In this way, we may all come to understand a little of what it might have been like. Get agreement from all before proceeding. Anyone not wishing to participate may stay behind or join the other class. You will be told what to do as the game proceeds.

When everyone is ready, give each student 4 index cards and a pencil.

Provide Instructions: You, the Israelites, are about to be rounded up and taken away from your Jerusalem home. This is the second wave of people who have been exiled. The first group comprised religious leaders, government officials and skilled workers. Many fathers were sent away then. Now the strongest of the remaining people are to be taken away. That’s you. You will be leaving here forever in 2 minutes.

Gather your possessions. You must quickly write on three of the cards, 3 things or possessions (not people) that you want to carry and take with you for the journey. That is all you are allowed to take on this journey. Remember that the objective is to survive the trip. Make sure the possessions are appropriate for the times (Do not explain inappropriate. Tell them to figure it out). It will be a long, difficult journey lasting many months. You are being taken to a faraway land/Babylon to be slaves. The guides and shepherds are soldiers from a faraway land/Babylon. They have been harassing you and your family for years. Many of your friends and family have died because of the captors/Babylonians. They are your enemy. Now they are taking you away from everything you have ever known.

On the fourth card, write the memory verse. You will need this on your journey.

Distribute a Harp card to 3 youth. Hang on to the harp cards until told what to do.

Let’s go: Guide – instruct the youth to move outside. As the youth file out the door, look at their possession cards and confiscate any that are not appropriate. They may not be replaced. Inappropriate cards: anything too heavy or anachronistic (cars, antibiotics), or ridiculous. Do not tolerate whining at the removal of possessions. If someone whines, take another card.

Walk a short distance. Stop and make an announcement.

Stop 1: Announcement: The temple where you used to worship at this very minute is being destroyed. This is devastating news. (The guide yells: “Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!”) It sickens you Israelites to hear these words and know the temple is destroyed. You love the temple. How do you respond to this news?

Everyone who brought money must give that index card to the soldiers. No one is allowed money -no exception. Divide the money cards between the guide and coach soldiers.

Recite the memory verse together. Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Walk a little further to continue your journey

Stop 2:

Announcement: Distribute Ordeal cards. Students must follow the instructions on the card and respond appropriately to their situation. Students may discuss their ordeals with the group.

Recite the memory verse together. Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Walk a little further to continue your journey

Stop 3: Announcement: Collect any possession cards that say water. This is a desert and the water supply has run out. You must rely on your captors/the Babylonians for water. Often we only have dirty water and people can get sick from it. But there is good news! Today we have good clean water to drink. However, the water is in short supply.

Distribute water cards to everyone. If your card says that you get water, you may have a drink of water. Everyone else gets nothing.

Distribute small cups and pour clean water (1/4 c per person) to youth allowed water. Collect all the water cards.

Recite the memory verse together. Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Walk a little further. Continue your journey

Stop 4: Announcement: This is a raid. Anyone with food must hand it over to the soldiers. Everyone gets a small piece of bread. This is your food for the day.

Collect all possession cards of any kind of food. Distribute the bread.

Recite the memory verse together. Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Continue your journey.

Stop 5: Announcement: Sickness has spread throughout the Israelites. You are tired, hungry, and thirsty. Many of you are ill. Everyone takes a Health card. If you have the words “You are ill” on your card, you are ill. You must give your remaining possession cards to someone to carry for you, as you are too ill. Those who are sick must rely on others for survival.

Collect all the health cards. Recite the memory verse: Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Continue your journey.

Stop 6: Announcement: We are getting close to the faraway land/Babylon. The soldiers want some of your possessions. Everyone with possession cards must surrender one card to the soldiers.

Collect a card from each youth still owning possessions. Now the soldiers have Israelite keepsakes, jewelry, clothing and other valuables.

Recite the memory verse together. Matthew 11:28: “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest”. Continue your journey.

Stop 7: Announcement: This is the final stop. We have arrived in the faraway land/Babylon. The journey has taken many months. Everyone is tired and sad. All you Israelites are now slaves to your captors/the Babylonians. Entertain us. (Everyone can sit down)

The Israelites who have Harp cards come forward. Dance and sing for us. Sing about your beloved Jerusalem. Ha! Ha! (Guide and coaches: clap your hands to encourage dancing).

The 3 youth with harp cards from the beginning come forward and try to dance and sing. Let the kids attempt to entertain, and then ask everyone to sit.

Go back to the classroom, take off Biblical costumes and settle down for discussion.

Reflection:

How do you feel? Humiliated? Do you have an idea of what it must be like to be at the mercy of your captors/the Babylonians? How do you think the Israelites felt? Angry, homesick, vengeful, hate, despair?

(Distribute copies of Psalm 137 NRSV. Two copies are attached to this lesson: one for pre-CSI students does not name Babylon; one for post-CSI students does.)

The Israelites were trapped in a foreign land far from home. Listen to Psalm 137. The psalmist was a musician who was asked to entertain their captors/the Babylonians. As the guide reads the psalm, listen for all the emotions that the psalmist is experiencing. The 3 youth with harp cards will recite v. 4, 5 and 6.

Read Psalm 137. (Use a lot of emphasis and emotion in the reading.) Cue the youth with harp cards for their verses (Verses 4, 5 and 6)

Ask the kids to describe the emotions of the psalmist: sad, despair, anger, hate, and revenge. Are you surprised to see these emotions in the Bible? Are these not very realistic responses to the situation? Do you ever feel despair like this? Do you think God understands that we sometimes have such extreme feelings? Can you take your despair to God? Even in rough times, we can take our troubles to God. We can still be faithful to God.

To dash the children of their captors/the Babylonians upon rocks is a pretty vengeful prayer – yet, if we are honest, it is a very realistic response. God is realistic. God knows and understands our powerful emotions.

In the Psalm, children are the future of the faraway land/Babylon and of Jerusalem. How many Israelite children died on the long journey to the faraway land/Babylon? Who suffers most in war conflict? Children and the elderly. Can you understand why the Israelites prayed for revenge?

In verse 5 and 7, the Psalmist sings of remembering. Why is it important to remember past history? (So we do not repeat our mistakes)

Some definitions:

Zion – the City of David, City of God

Edomites – people of Edom. Edom means Esau. Remember the story of Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaiah, grandsons to Abraham and Sarah. Jacob stole Esau’s birthright. Esau went his own way and became the ancestor of the nation of Edom. Jacob fathered 12 sons who became the ancestors of the Israelites..

Mirth – with laughter, joyfulness. In this case, the captors/Babylonians are teasing the Israelites.

Lyre - harp

Play the song On the Willows. This song is based on Psalm 137. As you listen to it, try to imagine how the singers feel? Have you ever felt this way?

The right hand is needed to pick the strings of the harp. The tongue is needed to sing. The Israelites are still faithful to God.

Prayer: Close with prayer before going back to the classroom. Begin with the memory verse. If you brought the prayer chain, gather around and offer prayers: Gracious and loving God, we pray for people who are refugees, displaced from their homes, hungry and wanting for some of the basic pleasures we often take for granted. We give thanks, Lord, that we can take our burdens to you, no matter how awful we may feel, no matter how bad our situation. Amen.

Next week we will study current day refugees and participate in a mission project.

Wrap-up/Closing (Coach):

1. Ask students to collect the handouts. Close/lock the door and turn off the lights.

Guide preparation in advance:

1. Post the “visual” on the timeline. (attached)

2. Gather supplies and make the game cards (see supply list).

3. Practice reading Psalm 137 (NRSV) with emotion and drama.

4. Read Kings 23:31-25:30 for study of the Exile.

5. Decide your hiking route and where you will finish. Walk it ahead of time. Decide where you will have the stops. Have an alternate plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

References

· Writers’ Bible study materials titled “Exile: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30 and Psalm 137” prepared by Susan Mazzara

· Timeline icon from Church World Service: Uprooted Peoples http://www.churchworldservice.org/FactsHaveFaces/uprootedfs.html

Notes to Guide

The purpose of the simulation game and hike is to create and provoke some understanding of the feelings of refugees who are taken from home and everything that is familiar. If the weather cooperates, the kids should hike outside. If the weather is too nasty, hike around inside the church. You may wish to end the game by the baptismal font (to represent the river) in the sanctuary.

Play your role as captor and soldier. How would a soldier from the faraway land/Babylon respond to the needs of the Israelites? The kids will take their cue from you. Dressing in costume will help you get in character.

Think about the scenario you are creating and help the kids respond to the drama as it unfolds with questions such as: How would this make you feel? Are you homesick? Do you feel well? What do you feel about the captors/Babylonians? Be thinking about refugees in today’s world and how there may be many similarities. Do some research of your own on the needs of current day refugees and countries with resettlement camps. Think of our Kirk refugees who left their homes? Who usually suffers most? Children and the elderly.

Supply List

· Costume box, large walking sticks or swords for adults.

· CD of On the Willows from Godspell (Catherine will supply CD). CD player with batteries if you are going to be outside for the final stop.

· Copies of Psalm 137 (NRSV) for each student

· Game Cards

§ Possession cards: 3 Index cards per student to make possession cards, pencils

§ Water cards: create index cards for everyone with the word “Water” in bold on one side. For ¼ of the cards, write the words “you get water”. ¾ of the cards will say “no water for you” on the reverse side.

§ Health cards: create index cards for everyone with the word “Health” in bold on one side. For ¼ of the cards, write the words “You are ill” on the reverse side. ¾ of the cards will read “you are OK”.

§ 3 Harp Cards: A picture of a harp on one side and one verse of Psalm 137 V. 4,5 or 6 on the reverse. The youth who receive these cards will participate in the reading of Psalm 137 by reciting their verse.

§ Ordeal Cards. One for each student. Make as many of the black arm band cards to ensure everyone gets a card. (see below)

§ Blank cards: to write the memory verse

· A backpack for the guide to carry the game supplies and cards

· Water and small cups for ¼ of the students

· Black armbands: A roll of black crepe paper will suffice.

· blindfolds

· Pita bread. One small piece for each student.

Ordeal Cards

§ You have been stricken with a leg ailment and can no longer use your left foot. Find someone to help carry you.

§ Your 2 cousins died - wear a black armband

§ Your best friend died – wear a black armband

§ You have lost your parents. You don’t know if they are dead or alive. Wear a black arm band

§ Your uncle and aunt became too sick to continue on the journey. They couldn’t keep up so are left behind. You know they can’t survive. Wear a black armband.

§ Your grandparents stayed in Jerusalem because they were too old for the journey. You are worried about how they will survive. You will never see them again. Wear a black armband.

§ You have a leg infection. There is no medicine. You walk with a limp.

§ You have a broken ankle that was not set properly. You walk with a limp.

§ Someone stole all your possessions. Give your possession cards to a soldier.

§ You must give up all your heavy belongings. Give your cards with belongings to someone else. You must now rely on others for survival

§ You are blind. Wear a blindfold. Find someone willing to guide you. Give away your possessions.

§ You looked at a soldier in a menacing way so your right eye was poked out. Wear a blindfold over that eye.

Psalm 137 (Post-CSI)

1 By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows there we hung up our harps.

3 For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!

6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem's fall, how they said, "Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!"

8 O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us!

9 Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!

Psalm 137 (Pre-CSI)

1 By the rivers of a distant land— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows there we hung up our harps.

3 For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!

6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem's fall, how they said, "Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!"

8 O captors, you devastators! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us!

9 Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!

Timeline Icon

Lament of Psalm 137

Rwandan Refugees