Psalms 87

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 87

A psalm of the sons of Korah celebrating Zion as the city God loves above all others. Amazingly, people from enemy nations will one day be counted as citizens of Zion.

Scripture

The City God Loves

Study note

God's foundation is on the holy mountains. He loves the gates of Zion more than all the other places in Israel. Glorious things are spoken about the city of God.

1 God built his city on the hills he set apart as holy. His foundation is in the holy mountains.

2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than any other place where Jacob's family lives. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

3 Wonderful things are spoken about you, city where God lives. Selah. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

Born in Zion

Study note

God will count people from Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia as being born in Zion. The Most High himself will establish her. All who sing and dance will say, 'All my fountains are in you.'

4 "I will list Rahab and Babylon as those who know me. Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia too. I will say, 'This person was born there in Zion.'" I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.

5 People will say about Zion, "One person after another was born in her." The Most High himself will make her stand firm. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

6 As the Lord writes down the names of the peoples, he will note, "This one was born there." Selah. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

7 Those who sing and dance will all declare, "Every spring of joy I have comes from you!" As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 87

Zion as God's beloved cityPeople from enemy nations claimed as born in ZionGod's inclusive welcomeThe honor of belonging to God's city

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 87

Amazingly, this psalm says that people from Egypt, Babylon, and Philistia will be counted as born in Zion — God's own city. God's family is bigger than any nation, race, or culture. If you have ever felt like an outsider, hear this: God claims you. Your spiritual birth certificate says 'born in Zion.'

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