Psalms 87

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 87

1¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation [is] in the holy mountains.

2The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

4¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there.

5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

7As well the singers as the players on instruments [shall be there]: all my springs [are] in thee.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 87 celebrates Zion as the city beloved by the LORD, whose foundation is in the holy mountains. Glorious things are spoken of this city of God, which the LORD cherishes above all other dwellings of Jacob. The psalm prophesies a future where people from various nations, including Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon, will be counted as if "born" in Zion, signifying their inclusion in God's people. The LORD himself will establish Zion, and all spiritual blessings are found within her.

Medium Summary

Psalms 87, a psalm for the sons of Korah, extols the city of Zion, whose foundation is divinely set in the holy mountains. The LORD expresses a profound love for Zion, preferring its gates above all other habitations of Jacob. The psalmist proclaims that glorious things are spoken concerning this "city of God." A key theme emerges concerning the inclusion of Gentiles: the psalm declares that nations such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will have individuals counted as if "born" in Zion. This signifies a spiritual birth or incorporation into the community of God's people, transcending national boundaries. The LORD himself is depicted as establishing Zion, and when He registers the peoples, He will note those who are spiritually "born there." The psalm concludes by emphasizing that all sources of spiritual life and joy ("springs") are found within Zion, where singers and musicians will also gather.

Long Summary

Psalms 87, attributed to the sons of Korah, begins by establishing Zion's divine foundation upon the holy mountains. The psalmist immediately highlights the LORD's exceptional affection for Zion, stating that He loves its gates more than any other dwelling place of Jacob. This city is then proclaimed as the "city of God," of which glorious things are spoken, underscoring its unique sacred status. The psalm then shifts to a remarkable prophecy concerning the inclusion of various foreign nations. It declares that individuals from lands such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will be acknowledged as if they were "born there," within Zion. This signifies a profound spiritual transformation and incorporation, where former adversaries or distant peoples become part of God's chosen community. The text emphasizes that it is the Highest Himself who will establish Zion, ensuring its enduring significance. Furthermore, the LORD is depicted as meticulously recording the peoples, and in this divine registry, He will specifically note those who are spiritually "born" in Zion, indicating a universal scope for God's redemptive plan. The psalm concludes with a vision of joyful worship within Zion, where singers and players on instruments will gather. It culminates in the profound declaration that "all my springs are in thee," signifying that all sources of spiritual life, blessing, and joy originate from or are found within this divinely favored city.

Core Concepts

  • Zion's Divine FoundationZion, the city of God, is founded upon the holy mountains, indicating its sacred and divinely established nature.
  • God's Love for ZionThe LORD demonstrates a unique and profound love for Zion, preferring it above all other dwellings of Jacob.
  • Inclusion of GentilesThe psalm prophesies that people from various foreign nations, including Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon, will be spiritually "born" in Zion, signifying their incorporation into God's people.
  • Spiritual Birth/CitizenshipThe concept of being "born there" (in Zion) extends beyond physical birth, representing a spiritual identity or inclusion in God's community, regardless of national origin.
  • Divine EstablishmentThe Highest Himself is declared to establish Zion, ensuring its permanence and universal significance.
  • Universal RegistryThe LORD will count and register peoples, noting those who are spiritually "born" in Zion, highlighting a divine recognition of this expanded community.
  • Source of Spiritual LifeZion is portrayed as the source of all spiritual "springs," implying that all blessings, joy, and life originate from or are found within this holy city.