Psalm 87 – A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Psalm 87 is a brief but theologically rich composition found in the Book of Psalms. At just seven verses, it offers a striking vision of Zion (Jerusalem) as the spiritual epicenter of the world, deeply loved by God and destined to become a universal homeland for all peoples. This psalm defies expectations by coupling nationalism with an inclusive globalism that anticipates the eventual gathering of the nations into the presence of God.

Text of Psalm 87 (ESV)

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”

Authorship and Superscription

Psalm 87 is attributed to the sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians and poets. The Korahites were responsible for composing and performing many psalms that reflect a deep theological insight and a strong love for Zion and temple worship. The superscription also notes that it is “a psalm, a song,” suggesting it was intended for liturgical use.

Structure of Psalm 87

Despite its brevity, Psalm 87 is well-structured and poetic. It can be outlined as follows:

Verses 1–3: The special status and divine affection for Zion.
Verses 4–6: The inclusion of the nations and their spiritual rebirth in Zion.
Verse 7: A poetic conclusion of joy and celebration.

Historical and Theological Context

Zion (another name for Jerusalem, specifically the hill on which the temple stood) held immense religious significance in ancient Israel. It was viewed as the dwelling place of God among His people, the site of His holy temple, and the political and spiritual heart of the nation.

Psalm 87 was likely composed during or after the return from the Babylonian exile. The trauma of exile had shaken Israel’s understanding of its identity and God’s presence. In this context, Psalm 87 reaffirms Zion as God's chosen city, even while envisioning a radically inclusive future where foreign nations are not enemies but citizens of Zion.

Detailed Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verse 1: "On the holy mount stands the city he founded;"

This opening verse declares God's sovereignty and initiative in establishing Zion. The “holy mount” refers to Mount Zion, the spiritual and literal high point of the city of Jerusalem. The city is described as being founded by God Himself, asserting divine election and establishing Jerusalem as sacred ground.

This idea is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, where God is portrayed as the architect of the universe and, in a special way, the founder of Jerusalem (see Isaiah 14:32; Psalm 48:1–2).

Verse 2: "The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob."

This verse emphasizes God's unique love for Zion, especially its gates — symbolic of access, gathering, and judgment. While God cares for all of Israel (“the dwelling places of Jacob”), His affection for Zion is unmatched. This exclusivity doesn’t deny His presence elsewhere but highlights Zion as the epicenter of divine encounter.

This theological motif recurs throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 132:13-14: “For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place”).

Verse 3: "Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah"

Zion is given a majestic epithet — "city of God" — underscoring its divine association and destiny. The phrase “glorious things” hints at prophetic promises, past events (like God’s protection), and future hope. The word “Selah” invites the reader to pause and reflect on the weight of this statement.

This verse bridges the declaration of Zion’s importance with the surprising revelation to follow in verses 4–6.

Verse 4: "Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush — ‘This one was born there,’ they say."

This is the theological climax of the psalm. Here, God names traditionally hostile or foreign nations — Rahab (a poetic name for Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (modern Ethiopia/Sudan) — and astonishingly includes them among those who "know" Him.

Even more striking is the phrase “This one was born there” — a statement of citizenship. It indicates that individuals from these nations are now considered as spiritually “born” in Zion. The language of new birth or rebirth anticipates the New Testament theme of being “born from above” (cf. John 3:3).

This inclusive vision flips the historical script: enemies become fellow citizens of God’s city. It implies conversion, reconciliation, and divine adoption.

Verse 5: "And of Zion it shall be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her’; for the Most High himself will establish her."

The universality of Zion’s population is emphasized again — not just one but many are "born" there. The repetitive structure (“this one and that one”) suggests a diverse and growing community.

The final clause — “for the Most High himself will establish her” — reinforces divine initiative. Zion’s glory doesn’t stem from politics or military might but from God’s own action.

Verse 6: "The Lord records as he registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’ Selah"

God is portrayed as a registrar, keeping a record of spiritual citizenship. This celestial census includes individuals from foreign nations, listed as native-born in Zion. This line encapsulates the psalm’s radical theology: Zion is not defined by ethnicity or bloodline but by divine designation.

“Selah” again calls for reflection — the idea is so powerful it demands meditation.

Verse 7: "Singers and dancers alike say, ‘All my springs are in you.’"

The psalm concludes in joy. Singers and dancers, likely part of temple worship, celebrate Zion as the source of “all my springs” — an image of life, refreshment, and joy. In the arid landscape of ancient Israel, springs were symbols of vitality and divine blessing.

By declaring that all springs are in Zion, worshippers affirm that all true life and spiritual nourishment flow from their connection with the city of God — which, symbolically, means the presence of God Himself.

Themes in Psalm 87

1. Divine Election of Zion

Psalm 87 begins by affirming Zion’s privileged status. God has uniquely chosen it for His dwelling, emphasizing a theological geography — a belief that God’s presence is localized in a specific, chosen place.

2. Universalism and Inclusion

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this psalm is its universal vision. It invites formerly hostile nations into the covenant community. This anticipates the New Testament's portrayal of the Church as the "new Jerusalem" composed of people from every nation (see Revelation 7:9; Galatians 4:26).

3. Spiritual Rebirth

The repetition of the phrase “born in her” points to a theme of rebirth. The psalm subtly introduces the idea that true identity is not determined by natural descent but by one’s relationship to Zion — i.e., God’s redemptive plan.

4. Joy and Worship

The closing verse captures the celebratory tone of worshipers. The springs of life are not found in wealth, power, or nationality — but in relationship with God in Zion.

Prophetic and Messianic Dimensions

While not explicitly messianic, Psalm 87’s vision paves the way for later New Testament theology. The concept of Zion expands from a physical city to a spiritual reality — the Church, the people of God gathered from every tribe and nation (Hebrews 12:22–23; Revelation 21:2).

Jesus, as the cornerstone of the new temple (Ephesians 2:19–22), fulfills the hope of Psalm 87 by creating a new community rooted not in ethnicity but in faith.

Application for Today

Psalm 87 remains profoundly relevant. It speaks into a world fragmented by nationalism, racial divisions, and religious boundaries. It reminds believers:

God loves and chooses people beyond our categories.
Spiritual birth and belonging come through God’s grace.
True identity and joy are found in God’s presence, not in our heritage or achievements.

It also calls the Church to emulate Zion — to be a place where all people, regardless of background, can find belonging, life, and purpose.

Conclusion

Psalm 87 is a theological gem that fuses Israel’s national identity with a global vision of inclusion. Though brief, it presents a revolutionary idea: that God’s city is not closed to outsiders but open to all who come to know Him. From the gates of Zion to the courts of heaven, all who worship the Lord are counted as native-born citizens — reborn into the family of God.

Whether read devotionally or theologically, Psalm 87 invites us to celebrate God's sovereign love, inclusive grace, and the joy of belonging in His holy city.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025