By the rivers of Babylon
Belonging to Babylon are arguably two most notable rivers on a short list of all time. Both are bold, strong, pleasing to the eyes and the ears. They can rage with a power that demands admiraton, joining together to empty into the Persian Gulf. They defined the ancient region - Mesopotamia. Also they set the boundaries of 'the fertile crescent', the suspected seat of civilization.
The two mighty rivers are the Tigris and the Euphrates present at creation. (Genesis 2:14)
Born in an unmeasurable antiquity the rivers of Babylon continue to entice mankind to sit in an unwitting despair. Recall Babylon is man collectively united in rebellion 'building their own stairway to heaven', beginning as a tower. It is chaos, Zion is order.
Babylon is all mankind's hopes, dreams and his tomorrows. Yet he cries - tears flow not knowing why. The Tigris and the Euphrates are metaphors for Babylon, the land they bind are repressive, consuming and then 'drowning'. Note those (which is the entire world) are unable to discern Babylon is the city of disorder, harlotry and ignorant to Zion as peace. Babylon always 'up-skills', and 'spends' into perpetuity. Only brief respite in Babylon between education, promotion and the false gifts that vanity promises.
Babylon offers more, more and more of more. Never relenting, but its merchants care nothing for it, except profit.
BABYLON LIVES WITHOUT SELF-AUDIT AND ITS MERCHANTS FOLLOW SUIT.
Mankind has become foot-soldiers for Babylon. BUT, today's people of God, are the same as ancient disciples for they too cry in Babylon.
By the rivers of Babylon - we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion ... (Psalm 139:1)
God's people, exlied in Babylon, were homeless, for they cried by the Euphrates and did not celebrate. They longed for Jerusalem..
By the rivers of Babylon they dropped down and wept. But by the waters of Zion their longings would find renewal.
... He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life ... (Psalm 23:2b - 3a)