His foundation is in the holy mountains.
The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Psalms 87 is a powerful hymn that celebrates the glory and significance of Zion, the city of God, particularly Jerusalem. This psalm, attributed to the Sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians, looks forward to a time when all nations will recognize the Lord and find their source of joy in Him. Understanding the context of this psalm enriches its meaning and allows us to appreciate its profound message.
Historical and Prophetic Context
King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel after capturing it from the Jebusites (2_Samuel 5:5–10). "Zion" became a poetic synonym for Jerusalem, representing God's chosen city (Psalm 2:6; 48:11; 78:68; Isaiah 30:19; Lamentations 4:2). The psalm may allude to God’s protection over Jerusalem during the Assyrian invasion (2_Kings 19:35–36). Furthermore, the inclusion of "nations" worshipping points towards the end times, when Christ will reign from Zion (Revelation 15:4; 20:4). The psalm may also celebrate the defeat of an Assyrian army (2_Kings 19:35–36).
Zion: God's Foundation and Delight (Psalms 87:1-3)
The psalm begins by emphasizing that God Himself founded and established Zion (Jerusalem). It is a city He loves and has chosen as the place where His glory is manifested on earth. The psalmist reflects on Jerusalem, which the Lord loved and where he dwelt in his temple (87:3). This was where God manifested his glory on earth, and it is where Christ will manifest his glory when he returns to set up his millennial kingdom.
A Gathering of Nations (Psalms 87:4-6)
This section envisions a future where people from all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. The psalmist mentions specific nations, including Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, some of whom were historical enemies of Israel. This vision speaks to the universal scope of God's salvation, where even former adversaries will acknowledge Him. Zion will be the mother city of the earth, full of new citizens who will come to dwell there (87:5-6). Those who come to the Lord in faith, no matter their origin, will be adopted in the family of God (Galatians 3:26–29; Revelation 7:9).
Joy in the City of God (Psalms 87:7)
The psalm concludes with a picture of celebration and joy in Zion. Singers and dancers will express their delight in the Lord. The testimony of God’s people in that day will be, “My whole source of joy is in you.” Where else could joy be found? This verse highlights that true joy and fulfillment are found in God alone.
Significance and Application
Psalms 87 reminds us of the importance of God's presence and the blessings that flow from it. It points to a future where all nations will acknowledge the Lord and find their joy in Him. This psalm encourages us to:
- Recognize God's Sovereignty: God is the founder and sustainer of His people and His purposes.
- Embrace the Universal Scope of God's Love: God's love extends to all nations, and He desires that all people come to know Him.
- Seek Joy in God: True and lasting joy is found in a relationship with God.
As we reflect on Psalms 87, may we be filled with hope and anticipation for the day when all nations will gather in Zion to worship the Lord and experience the fullness of His joy.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Psalms 87 is a powerful hymn that celebrates the glory and significance of Zion, the city of God, particularly Jerusalem. This psalm, attributed to the Sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians, looks forward to a time when all nations will recognize the Lord and find their source of joy in Him. Understanding the context of this psalm enriches its meaning and allows us to appreciate its profound message.
Historical and Prophetic Context
King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel after capturing it from the Jebusites (2_Samuel 5:5–10). "Zion" became a poetic synonym for Jerusalem, representing God's chosen city (Psalm 2:6; 48:11; 78:68; Isaiah 30:19; Lamentations 4:2). The psalm may allude to God’s protection over Jerusalem during the Assyrian invasion (2_Kings 19:35–36). Furthermore, the inclusion of "nations" worshipping points towards the end times, when Christ will reign from Zion (Revelation 15:4; 20:4). The psalm may also celebrate the defeat of an Assyrian army (2_Kings 19:35–36).
Zion: God's Foundation and Delight (Psalms 87:1-3)
The psalm begins by emphasizing that God Himself founded and established Zion (Jerusalem). It is a city He loves and has chosen as the place where His glory is manifested on earth. The psalmist reflects on Jerusalem, which the Lord loved and where he dwelt in his temple (87:3). This was where God manifested his glory on earth, and it is where Christ will manifest his glory when he returns to set up his millennial kingdom.
A Gathering of Nations (Psalms 87:4-6)
This section envisions a future where people from all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. The psalmist mentions specific nations, including Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, some of whom were historical enemies of Israel. This vision speaks to the universal scope of God's salvation, where even former adversaries will acknowledge Him. Zion will be the mother city of the earth, full of new citizens who will come to dwell there (87:5-6). Those who come to the Lord in faith, no matter their origin, will be adopted in the family of God (Galatians 3:26–29; Revelation 7:9).
Joy in the City of God (Psalms 87:7)
The psalm concludes with a picture of celebration and joy in Zion. Singers and dancers will express their delight in the Lord. The testimony of God’s people in that day will be, “My whole source of joy is in you.” Where else could joy be found? This verse highlights that true joy and fulfillment are found in God alone.
Significance and Application
Psalms 87 reminds us of the importance of God's presence and the blessings that flow from it. It points to a future where all nations will acknowledge the Lord and find their joy in Him. This psalm encourages us to:
- Recognize God's Sovereignty: God is the founder and sustainer of His people and His purposes.
- Embrace the Universal Scope of God's Love: God's love extends to all nations, and He desires that all people come to know Him.
- Seek Joy in God: True and lasting joy is found in a relationship with God.
As we reflect on Psalms 87, may we be filled with hope and anticipation for the day when all nations will gather in Zion to worship the Lord and experience the fullness of His joy.