Psalm 87
BSB
The LORD Loves the Gates of Zion
A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song.
1He has founded His city
on the holy mountains.
2The LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious 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.’”
5And it will be said of Zion:
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High Himself will establish her.”
6The LORD will record in the register of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”
Selah
7Singers and pipers will proclaim,
“All my springs of joy are in You.”
Introduction
Psalms 87
The foregoing psalm was very plain and easy, but in this are things dark and hard to be understood. It is an encomium of Zion, as a type and figure of the gospel-church, to which what is here spoken is very applicable. Zion, for the temple's sake, is here preferred, I. Before the rest of the land of Canaan, as being crowned with special tokens of God's favour (Psa 87:1-3). II. Before any other place or country whatsoever, as being replenished with more eminent men and with a greater plenty of divine blessings (Psa 87:4-7). Some think it was penned to express the joy of God's people when Zion was in a flourishing state; others think it was penned to encourage their faith and hope when Zion was in ruins and was to be rebuilt after the captivity. Though no man cared for her (Jer 30:17, "This is Zion whom no man seeketh after"), yet God had done great things for her, and spoken glorious things of her, which should all have their perfection and accomplishment in the gospel-church; to that therefore we must have an eye in singing this psalm.
A psalm or song for the sons of Korah.
Cross-references: Ps 87:1 · Ps 87:4 · Jer 30:17