Sons of Korah
Psalm 87
A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.
Scripture (KJV)
1His 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.
Summary
Psalm 87 is a short but luminous psalm celebrating Zion as the city of God and the spiritual birthplace of peoples from many nations. The sons of Korah declare that God’s foundation is in the holy mountains and that the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of the city of God. The remarkable verse 4 names Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, and says of each, "this man was born there." Of Zion it shall be said, "This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." When the LORD writes up the peoples, He will count that each was born there. The psalm closes with singers and players on instruments and the confession: "All my springs are in thee."
The major themes are Zion, the city of God, spiritual birth, the nations, and worship. Practically, the psalm teaches that God’s city is the birthplace of peoples from every nation and that the Highest Himself establishes her. The great lesson is that all our springs are in the city of God.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 87
His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of You, O city of God. You name Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, and say, "This man was born there." Of Zion it shall be said, "This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her." When You write up the peoples, You count that each was born there. Let singers and players on instruments be there. All my springs are in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1How does this psalm envision people from many nations being born in Zion?
- 2What does it mean that "the highest himself shall establish her"?
- 3How can "all my springs are in thee" shape my relationship with God’s city?
- 4Where do I see God writing up the peoples and counting them as born in Zion?
Related Psalms
Psalm 46
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God our refuge amid chaos; be still and know that He is God.
Read morePsalm 48
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.”
A hymn to Zion, the city of the great King, secure forever.
Read morePsalm 76
“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.”
A hymn to God’s majesty who establishes peace in Zion.
Read morePsalm 84
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!”
A pilgrim’s longing for God’s courts; one day there is better than a thousand.
Read morePsalm 122
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122 is a Song of Ascents attributed to David, expressing the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
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