Psalms 87

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‹ Chapter 86 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 88 ›

1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 Adonai ‘ahav ·affectionately loves· the gates of Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking] more than all the dwellings of Jacob [Supplanter]. 3 Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·. 4 I will record Rahab and Babylon [Confusion] among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there." 5 Yes, of Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking] it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her;” haElyon [the Most High] himself will establish her. 6 Adonai will count, when he writes up the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·. 7 Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs 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

Holy Spirit

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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‹ Chapter 86 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 88 ›

Psalms 87

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