Psalms87
New American Standard
1 His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are spoken of you, City of God. Selah
4 “I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Cush: ‘This one was born there.’”
5 But of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; And the Most High Himself will establish her.
6 The Lord will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah
7 Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes will say, “All my springs of joy are in you.”
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Psalms 87Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 87. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The glory of the church. (1–3). It is filled with the Divine blessing. (4–7).
vv1-3
Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. Holiness is the strength and firmness of the church. Let us not be ashamed of the church of Christ in its meanest condition, nor of those that belong to it, since such glorious things are spoken of it. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, even Jesus Christ. The glorious things spoken of Zion by the Spirit, were all typical of Christ, and his work and offices; of the gospel church, its privileges and members; of heaven, its glory and perfect happiness.
vv4-7
The church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. In the records of heaven, the meanest of those who are born again stand registered. When God renders to every man according to his works, he shall observe who enjoyed the privileges of his sanctuary. To them much was given, and of them much will be required. Let those that dwell in Zion, mark this, and live up to their profession. Zion's songs shall be sung with joy and triumph. The springs of the joy of a carnal worldling are in wealth and pleasure; but of a gracious soul, in the word of God and prayer. All grace and consolation are derived from Christ, through his ordinances, to the souls of believers.
Key Words
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
קֹרַח: Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
קֹדֶשׁ: a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הָרָר: a mountain
יְסוּדָה: a foundation
אָהַב: to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
שַׁעַר: an opening, i.e. door or gate
צִיּוֹן: Tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of Jerusalem
Cross References
Psalms 87Calvin highlights God rejecting Shiloh/Ephraim to choose Zion, showing his free grace.
Supported by John Calvin
Both JFB and Calvin cite this to show Jehovah himself founded Mount Zion.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Both Poole and Calvin note Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains, illustrating safety.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
JFB links 'all my springs are in thee' with the river of spiritual joy.
Supported by JFB
JFB notes God choosing Zion for his habitation shows his special love and desire.
Supported by JFB
JFB connects people saying 'I am the Lord's' with being born in Zion.
Supported by JFB
JFB links the divine register of citizens with being written among the living in Jerusalem.
Supported by JFB
Henry identifies Christ himself as the ultimate spiritual foundation of the church.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Poole references Ethiopia stretching out her hands to God as part of Zion's registry.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Poole lists Egypt (Rahab) and Babylon joining Israel as God's acknowledged people.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Poole aligns the mother city of Zion with the Jerusalem above, mother of us all.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Poole contrasts the register of God's true citizens with false prophets excluded from Israel's writing.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Calvin highlights that 'the highest himself shall establish her' echoes God establishing his city forever.
Supported by John Calvin
Henry links drawing water from the wells of salvation to 'all my springs are in thee.'
Supported by Matthew Henry