1
A Psalm of the sons of Korah; a song.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2
The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah
4
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
5
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Most High himself shall establish her.
6
The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah
7
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
🕊️🙏📖 Summary of Psalm 87 – “Zion, the City of God Beloved”
Psalm 87 is a song of praise to Zion (Jerusalem) — the holy city chosen and loved by the Lord.
This psalm declares that Jerusalem’s true glory is not in its earthly position, but in the fact that the Lord Himself founded it and dwells there.
What is striking is that foreign nations such as Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre are spoken of as children of Zion — pointing to universal redemption and the unity of God’s people from every nation.
📌 1. The Lord Establishes His City on the Holy Mountain (verses 1–3)
➡️ “His foundation is in the holy mountains.”
➡️ The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all other places in Israel.
➡️ “Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God!”
🎯 The true glory of a place is not in its strength, but in the Lord’s dwelling there.
📌 2. The Nations Are Counted among the Citizens of Zion (verses 4–6)
➡️ Great nations are named as citizens of Zion: Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia.
➡️ “This man and that man was born there.”
➡️ The Lord records them as inhabitants of Zion.
🎯 This psalm foretells redemption across the nations — not Israel alone becoming God’s people.
📌 3. The Source of All Joy (verse 7)
➡️ “All my springs are in thee.”
➡️ Zion is not only a place of birth, but a source of spiritual life and joy.
🎯 The Lord is the fountain of living water, and Zion is a figure of His presence.
📖 Main Teaching
- The Lord chose Zion as the place of His dwelling — this is what makes it glorious
- Foreign nations will become part of the people of the Lord
- Spiritual identity is more important than geographic origin
- The Lord invites all people into His family
- True joy comes from the presence of the Lord, not from culture or national status
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 Galatians 4:26
“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”
➡️ Earthly Zion becomes a figure of the heavenly Jerusalem, the place of God’s true people.
📖 Ephesians 2:19
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers… but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
➡️ Nations such as Babylon and Egypt are also called to become citizens of God’s kingdom.
📖 Hebrews 12:22–23
“Ye are come unto mount Sion… and unto the city of the living God.”
➡️ The church is the spiritual fulfillment of Zion, the place where God dwells with His people.
📖 Revelation 21:2–3
“The holy city, new Jerusalem… God himself shall be with them.”
➡️ Zion is fulfilled in the new Jerusalem, the everlasting dwelling of the redeemed.
🕊️ “The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” – Psalm 87:2
🕊️ “This and that man was born in her.” – Psalm 87:5
🕊️ “All my springs are in thee.” – Psalm 87:7
🕊️ “The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there.” – Psalm 87:6
