Psalm 87 - Glorious Things Spoken of the City of God

A brief psalm declaring Zion as the birthplace of nations under God.

Psalms 87: Glorious Things of the City of 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 or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains.

The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Cush; this man was born there.

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest himself shall establish her.

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

The closing line, 'all my springs are in thee,' recalls the imagery of God as the source of life found in <a href="/bible/wbt/psalms/chapter-36/9">Psalms 36:9</a>. Its picture of singers and instrument players celebrating in Zion sets up the far darker tone of <a href="/bible/wbt/psalms/chapter-88">Psalms 88</a> that follows.