Psalms 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain.

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

3 Glorious things are said of you, city of God:^[a]

4 “I will record Rahab^[b] and Babylon among those who acknowledge me— Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush^[c] — and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’ ”^[d]

5 Indeed, 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 write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.”

7 As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”

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Psalms 87 Commentary

Chapter 87

The glory of the church. (1-3) It is filled with the Divine blessing. (4-7)

Verses 1-3 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.

Verses 4-7 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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

Cross References 10

1. S Psalms 48:1
2. Psalms 2:6; Psalms 78:68
3. S Psalms 46:4; Isaiah 60:1
4. S Job 9:13
5. S 2 Samuel 8:1; Psalms 83:7
6. Psalms 45:12; Joel 3:4
7. Isaiah 19:25
8. Exodus 32:32; Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Ezekiel 13:9; Malachi 3:16
9. Psalms 149:3
10. S Psalms 36:9

Footnotes 4

[a]. The Hebrew has "Selah" (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.
[b]. A poetic name for Egypt
[c]. That is, the upper Nile region
[d]. Or "“I will record concerning those who acknowledge me:" / "‘This one was born in Zion.’" / "Hear this, Rahab and Babylon," / "and you too, Philistia, Tyre and Cush.”"

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 87

\\<>\\. Whether this psalm was composed by David, in a view of the temple to be built by his son Solomon; or whether by one that returned from the Babylonish captivity, who wrote it for the comfort of those that wept at the laying of the foundation of the second temple; it seems evident that the subject matter of it is the church of God in Gospel times, and especially in the latter day glory: the title in the Syriac version is, ``concerning the redemption of Jerusalem.''

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible