Psalm 87

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1 A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah 4 “I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’" 5 And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her." 6 The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah 7 Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You."

What Is This Chapter About?

Theme: God's Global Glory and the City of God

This chapter is a celebration of God's glory and His city, Zion, where people from all nations will come to worship Him. The psalmist highlights the special status of Zion as the city of God, where the Lord has chosen to dwell. The chapter also looks forward to the day when people from all over the world will come to Zion to worship God.

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Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

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Key Words / Phrases

Names of God

Key Verse

Psalms 87:1 "His foundation is on the holy mountains"

This verse is central to the chapter because it highlights the holy nature of Zion, which is the foundation of God's city. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which celebrates the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell.

Key Words in Psalms 87

"holy mountains"

This phrase refers to the mountains of Zion, which are holy because of God's presence there. The phrase highlights the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell.

"gates of Zion"

This phrase refers to the entrances to the city of Zion, which are loved by the Lord more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2). The phrase emphasizes the importance of Zion as the place where God's people will come to worship Him.

"Rahab"

This phrase refers to Egypt, which is mentioned in Psalms 87:4 as one of the nations that will be counted among the people of God. The phrase highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which will include people from all nations.

"Babylon"

This phrase refers to the city of Babylon, which is mentioned in Psalms 87:4 as one of the nations that will be counted among the people of God. The phrase emphasizes the fact that God's salvation will include people from all nations, even those that have been historically opposed to Him.

Christ in This Chapter

This chapter points forward to the day when people from all nations will come to worship God in Zion, which is a picture of the heavenly Jerusalem that believers will inherit in Christ (Hebrews 12:22). The psalmist's declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2) is also a reminder of God's love for His people, which is fully expressed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the chapter says, 'This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her' (Psalms 87:5-6), which is a picture of the new birth that believers experience in Christ. (John 1:1 · Hebrews 12:22)

Names of Deity

Names and pronouns referring to God are marked throughout the text.

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Psalm 87

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