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Psalms 87

7 verses

TL;DR

The Psalm celebrates Zion as the favored dwelling of the Lord, highlighting its divine foundation and the inclusion of foreign peoples in its praise.

Summary

Psalm 87 opens with the image of the Lord’s foundation set upon holy mountains, emphasizing the spiritual solidity of Zion. It then declares that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, marking the city’s special status. The city is praised as the "city of God," with glorious things spoken about it. The psalm then lists foreign peoples—Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—acknowledging their presence and the Lord’s inclusion of them. It notes that those who know the Lord will speak of Zion’s greatness and that even the highest will establish it. The Lord is portrayed as counting the people, confirming their birthplace in Zion. Finally, singers and players on instruments are mentioned, highlighting the musical life and the springs that flow within the city.

Outline
  1. Foundation of Zion on holy mountains and the Lord’s special love for its gates
  2. Praise of Zion as the city of God and inclusion of foreign peoples in that praise
  3. Celebration of music and springs that flourish within the city
Themes
Divine favor for JerusalemUnity of nations in worshipThe sanctity and enduring nature of Zion
Keywords
LordZioncity of Godgatesforeignermusicsprings
People
RahabBabylonPhilistiaTyreEthiopiathe LORD
Places
Zionholy mountainsRahabBabylonPhilistiaTyreEthiopia
Things
gatesdwellingscity of Godspringsinstrumentssongs
Key Verses
  • Psalms 87:2: States the Lord’s preference for Zion over all other dwellings.
  • Psalms 87:3: Highlights the divine title "city of God" and its praise.
  • Psalms 87:7: Emphasizes communal worship through music and the abundance of springs in Zion.
Questions
  • What does the phrase "foundation in holy mountains" suggest about Jerusalem’s spiritual foundation?
  • Why are foreign nations such as Rahab and Babylon included in the Psalm’s praise?
  • How does the Psalm’s mention of musicians and springs reflect the community’s worship life?
  • In what ways does Psalm 87 affirm Zion’s unique status among nations?
Sentiment

positive
The Psalm portrays Zion favorably, celebrating its divine favor and communal worship.