Psalms 87 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 87

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, the renowned ruler of ancient Israel. Psalm 87, in particular, is believed to have been written by one of the Levitical singers or temple musicians, providing a unique perspective on the significance of Zion, the holy city of Jerusalem.

This chapter celebrates the glory and importance of Zion, the city of God, as the spiritual center of the Israelite nation. The author extols the virtues of this sacred place, highlighting its divine foundation and the blessings that flow from it. As we delve into this passage, we will witness the author’s profound reverence for Zion and the way it serves as a beacon of hope and unity for the people of God.

Throughout the Psalm, the author draws upon other biblical references, such as the promises made to Abraham and the covenant established with David. These allusions serve to reinforce the deep-rooted connection between Zion and the divine plan for the Israelites, as well as the enduring significance of this holy city in the lives of the faithful.

Psalms 87:1-3

The verse in Psalms 87:1-3 reads: “He founded the city on the holy mount; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.”

The first section of this verse speaks about the city founded by the Lord on the holy mountain. This city is none other than Zion, often used as a synonym for Jerusalem or sometimes as a representation of the people of God as a whole. Jerusalem was considered the spiritual center for the Israelites, where the Temple was located and where God’s presence was believed to dwell. This city has a special place in God’s heart, as indicated by the mention that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

The significance of mentioning Jacob here is to draw attention to the chosen nation of Israel, of which Jerusalem was a central part. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, was one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. The mention of his name in comparison to Zion shows the importance of this city in the context of God’s relationship with His chosen people.

The mention of “glorious things” being spoken of the city of God emphasizes the greatness and honor associated with Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible, Jerusalem is regarded as a city of peace, a place of worship, and a symbol of God’s presence among His people. Those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. These verses highlight the significance of Jerusalem, not just as a physical city, but as a representation of God’s chosen people and His presence among them. The mention of Zion in Psalms 87 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His enduring love for His people.

Psalms 87:4-6

These verses in Psalms 87:4-6 highlight the significance of birthplace in the context of God’s favor and protection over His people. Let’s identify the subject: “we.” Now, let’s rewrite the sentence in active voice: “We will break down these verses and delve deeper into their meanings.”

Verse 4 starts by mentioning Rahab and Babylon, two well-known cities of that time. Rahab, often identified as Egypt in some interpretations, is often associated with chaos, rebellion, and oppression. On the other hand, Babylon represents worldly power, arrogance, and idolatry. Despite these negative connotations, the Psalmist acknowledges that these cities, which were known for their opposition to God’s ways, will recognize God as the ultimate authority. This recognition indicates a shift in the spiritual landscape, where even the most rebellious will eventually acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

Moving on to verse 5, the mention of Zion holds great importance. Zion was not only a physical place, the City of David or Jerusalem, but it also holds spiritual significance in the Bible. It symbolizes the dwelling place of God, representing His presence among His people. The Psalmist emphasizes that being born in Zion is a privilege and holds a special place in God’s heart. This notion conveys the idea of spiritual heritage and the blessings that come with being part of God’s chosen people. It also reflects the idea of spiritual birth and renewal, where individuals are reborn into God’s kingdom, becoming citizens of Zion through faith in Christ.

Verse 6 further emphasizes the idea of birth and citizenship. The Psalmist lists various nations that are known for their historical conflicts and enmities, such as Philistia, Tyre, and Cush. Despite their tumultuous past, these nations will come to recognize Zion as their birthplace. This alludes to the universality of God’s kingdom, where people from all nations and backgrounds are welcomed into His family. It also highlights the transformative power of God, bringing reconciliation and unity among nations that were once divided. This verse echoes the promises of God’s restoration and redemption found in other parts of the Bible, such as Isaiah 19:23-25, where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are mentioned as blessed nations brought together in worship of the Lord. Psalms 87:4-6 celebrate the idea of spiritual birth and citizenship in God’s kingdom. It conveys the message of inclusivity, where even those who were once considered enemies of God will be welcomed into His presence. The imagery of Zion as a birthplace signifies God’s sovereignty and the blessings that come from being part of His chosen people. These verses remind us of the transformative power of God and His ability to reconcile nations and people under His loving care.

Psalms 87:7

“They will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you,’ as they make music in Psalms 87:7.”‘”‘” This verse encapsulates a deep sense of devotion and worship towards God. Identify the important sections of this verse to delve into its meaning and significance within the context of Psalms 87. This part of the verse underscores the act of praising God through music and song as they make music and sing. Throughout the Bible, music has always played a significant role in worship and expressing gratitude towards God. The book of Psalms itself is a collection of songs and poems that were used in worship and prayer. Music has the power to elevate our spirits and connect us with God on a deeper level. References to singing hymns and spiritual songs as a way to express our love and appreciation for God can be seen in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:19). Therefore, this first part of the verse emphasizes the powerful and spiritual act of making music as a form of worship.

‘”All my fountains are in you,”‘ This statement signifies a profound acknowledgment that God is the ultimate source of everything we need. ‘Fountains’ in the Bible often symbolize life, blessings, and abundance. The Psalmist acknowledges that every good and perfect gift comes from God by declaring that ‘all my fountains are in you’ (James 1:17). It reflects a complete reliance on God as the provider of all our needs, both physical and spiritual. This concept is reinforced throughout the Bible, especially in the teachings of Jesus who urged his followers to seek first the kingdom of God and rely on Him for sustenance and fulfillment (Matthew 6:33). We are reminded of our dependence on God and the importance of trusting in His provision by recognizing Him as the source of all blessings and sustenance. This verse in the context of Psalms 87 declares faith and trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness. The entire Psalm celebrates the glories of Zion, the city of God, and highlights the special place it holds in God’s heart. The verse culminates in a beautiful expression of worship and dependence on God for everything. It urges us to approach God with a heart of gratitude and praise, recognizing Him as the wellspring of all blessings and the foundation of our lives. Psalms 87:7 reminds us of the beauty and power of worshiping God through music and song, as well as the importance of acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings and sustenance in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and dependency on God, trusting in His abundant provision and sovereignty.

After Psalms 87

The final paragraph of a summary of this chapter could be as follows:

The psalmist’s words painted a vivid picture of Zion, the holy city of God. He spoke of the nations that would one day come to acknowledge the Lord and find their home within its walls. This vision of a diverse and united people worshipping the Almighty foreshadowed the gathering of all peoples under the banner of Christ’s kingdom. We will see how this promise of global redemption would unfold in the coming chapters as we turn the page. The Lord’s plan for the restoration of His creation was unfolding, and the faithful could take heart in the knowledge that His kingdom would one day reign supreme.