Jun 17, 2026 · 47 min · 11 segments
Psalm 137 ends with one of the Bible's most scandalizing lines: a prayer that an enemy's infants would be dashed against rocks. It understandably troubles believers, and for skeptics, it's a classic…
Bruce WaltkeGuest
Kirk MillerHost
"Blessed is the one who dashes your infants against the rocks"? For many, this is one of the hardest passages in Scripture to accept.

How do we reconcile this horrific violence with Christian ethics, especially Jesus's call to love our enemies and turn the other cheek? Today, Bruce Waltke joins us to answer the question, does Psalm 137 Verse 9 really belong in our Bibles? [upbeat music] Before we dive in, can I take a moment to ask for your help? We're so excited to help people dive deeper into Scripture, especially by understanding some of its most controversial and confusing passages.

If you've benefited from the show, would you take a moment to subscribe and leave us a review? This helps others discover the show so more can join us in studying God's Word.


We do this with the help of expert guests like today's guest, Dr. or Professor Bruce Waltke.

We had some technical difficulties getting here, but I'm excited that we finally sorted it out, Lord willing.

As we were starting this show, this is one of those passages that immediately came to mind.
Read the full transcript.
Create an account to read the whole episode, search across every transcript, and follow the shows you care about.

"Blessed is the one who dashes your infants against the rocks"? For many, this is one of the hardest passages in Scripture to accept.

How do we reconcile this horrific violence with Christian ethics, especially Jesus's call to love our enemies and turn the other cheek? Today, Bruce Waltke joins us to answer the question, does Psalm 137 Verse 9 really belong in our Bibles? [upbeat music] Before we dive in, can I take a moment to ask for your help? We're so excited to help people dive deeper into Scripture, especially by understanding some of its most controversial and confusing passages.

If you've benefited from the show, would you take a moment to subscribe and leave us a review? This helps others discover the show so more can join us in studying God's Word.


We do this with the help of expert guests like today's guest, Dr. or Professor Bruce Waltke.

We had some technical difficulties getting here, but I'm excited that we finally sorted it out, Lord willing.

As we were starting this show, this is one of those passages that immediately came to mind.