scripture

PSALM 87^*

Zion the True Birthplace

1^aA psalm of the Korahites. A song.

I

His foundation is on holy mountains,

2The LORD loves the gates^* of Zion

more than any dwelling in Jacob.

3Glorious things are said of you,

O city of God!

Selah

II

4Rahab and Babylon I count

among those who know me.

See, Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia,

“This one was born there.”

5^*And of Zion it will be said:

“Each one was born in it.”^b

The Most High will establish it;^c

6the LORD notes in the register of the peoples:

“This one was born there.”^d

Selah

7So singers and dancers:

“All my springs are in you.”^e

* [Psalm 87] A song of Zion, like Ps 46; 48; 76; 132.

* [87:2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom.

* [87:5–6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities.

a. [87:1–2] Ps 76:2–3; 78:68–69.

b. [87:5] Gal 4:26.

c. [87:5] Ps 48:9.

d. [87:6] Is 4:3.

e. [87:7] Ps 68:26; 149:3.