Foreigners

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2 There on the poplars we hung our harps, 3 for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:1-4)

I have just had the privilege of being on holiday and while on a catamaran in sunshine the crew put on a song I remembered from years ago. It was one of the Boney M hits from 1978 “By the rivers of Babylon”. They were a Rastafarian group based firstly in West Germany, but they clearly had knowledge of their Bibles. I have included their Bible references at the beginning and end of this article. I felt deeply about this song as at the time I was a foreigner in another land.

Boney M’s song serves as a poignant reminder of our collective human experience, particularly the feeling of being a foreigner in a strange land. Psalm 137 recounts the harrowing experience of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile, where they hung their harps upon the poplars, mourning for their homeland. "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" This question resonates deeply with us today, urging us to reflect on our own lives and the way we treat those who are different from us.

The Israelites faced immense sorrow and longing as they grappled with their identity and faith among a foreign culture. Their tale is not merely a historical account; it embodies the struggles many face when displaced or feeling out of place. In our contemporary society, we, too, find ourselves in various 'Babylons'—be it through migration, cultural shifts, or even within our communities where differences abound. We often encounter those who feel like exiles in their own lives.

Psalm 19 offers a beautifully contrasting perspective, reminding us of the grandeur of God’s creation and the universality of His laws: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This scripture draws us back to the Creator who welcomes all within His embrace, proclaiming that His truth is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Just as creation reflects God’s glory, so too can our interactions with others shine light in a world often clouded by division and misunderstanding.

As Jesus calls us to love our neighbours, we are reminded that the concept of 'foreign' extends beyond mere nationality or ethnicity. Each person, regardless of their background, carries a unique story. The challenge lies in our response to this diversity. How do we respond when we encounter someone whose experiences differ from our own?

In our interactions, we should seek to embrace those who appear foreign to us, not with fear or judgment, but with understanding and compassion. The Example of Christ teaches us to reach out to the marginalized, the outcast, and the lost. He frequently engaged with those considered 'different,' demonstrating that God's love transcends all barriers.

As we reflect on "By the Rivers of Babylon" and the profound messages found in Psalms 137 and 19, we are called to consider our role as compassionate travellers in this world. Let our hearts be open to those who feel like foreigners, just as we may sometimes feel. Together, let us build bridges where walls might exist and create a community that echoes the love of Christ, embracing all who journey alongside us.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Brian Leathers February 2026