Psalm 87 - Glorious Things Spoken of the City of God
A brief psalm declaring Zion as the birthplace of nations under God.
At just seven verses, Psalm 87 is one of the shortest entries in the Psalms overview, yet it makes a bold claim: foreign nations like Rahab, Babylon, and Ethiopia are numbered among those born in Zion. It follows the prayer for mercy in Psalms 86 with a vision of a city open to outsiders.
A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains.
The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah
“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.’”
And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her.”
The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah
Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.”