Psalms 87King James Version
His foundation is in the holy mountains. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Nations far off are counted among her citizens.
A short and enigmatic Zion hymn. God loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of the city of God. Then the surprise: the LORD will count among those born in Zion even Egypt (Rahab) and Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia. This man was born there. God writes up the peoples and numbers them among Zion's citizens. Singers and dancers: all my springs are in thee.
Zion is not a closed city for one people; God will register the nations themselves as native-born citizens of his holy city.
verse: "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." The births of former enemies into Zion's citizenship roll is the psalm's stunning center.
Superscription: 'A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.' The three named enemies (Egypt as Rahab, Babylon, Philistia) are Israel's greatest historical threats being enrolled as citizens. The psalm's brevity makes its theological reach more striking. Its placement before Psalm 88 makes the contrast with that psalm's darkness absolute.
Zion personified as the city; God as the one who loves its gates and writes the registry; Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia named as peoples being enrolled; singers and dancers at the close.
Psalm 87 is one of the most universalist psalms in the Hebrew Bible, anticipating Isaiah 19:24-25 ('Blessed be Egypt my people') and Revelation 21:24-26 (nations walking in the light of the holy city). Early Christian commentators saw it as a prophecy of Gentile inclusion in the people of God. Paul's theology of Abraham's inheritance for all nations finds a seed here.
For when you wonder if you belong, if your background disqualifies you from the holy city. The psalm lists the most improbable names and says: born there.
1[A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.] His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.