Psalms 87

1 He has founded [established, laid the groundwork for] His city [the sacred dwelling place, the holy metropolis] on the holy [set-apart] mountains [hills, lofty peaks]. word study 2 The LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] loves [has affection for, is devoted to] the gates [city entrances, points of access] of Zion [the mountain in Jerusalem] more than [above, beyond] all [everything, the entirety] the dwellings [tabernacles, places of residence] of Jacob [the son of Isaac, a key figure in Israel’s history]. word study 3 Glorious things [noble, honourable, wonderful] are ascribed [spoken of, said] to you, O city [town, settlement] of God [Elohim, the supreme One]. Selah [a pause, a moment of reflection] word study 4 “I will mention [recall to mind, remember] Rahab [the mythical sea monster] and Babylon [a city of confusion, mixing] among those who know [are acquainted with, have knowledge of] Me— along with Philistia [the land of the Philistines], Tyre [a major Phoenician city], and Cush [Ethiopia, the region south of Egypt]— when I say, ‘This one [this person, individual] was born [came into being, had their origin] in Zion [the city of God, the place of divine presence].’” word study 5 And it will be said of [the city of] Zion: “This one [every individual, each person] and that one [many people, all mankind] were born [brought forth, given life] in her, and the Most High [the Supreme God, Almighty] Himself [the self-existent One] will establish [set up, make secure] her [the city, the people].” word study 6 The LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] will record [count, write down] in the register [list, catalog] of the peoples [nations, groups of people]: “This one [person, individual] was born [begotten, given birth to] in Zion [the city of God, the place of His presence].” Selah [a pause, a moment of reflection] word study 7 Singers [and dancers, those who sing as well as those who dance] and pipers [players on instruments, musicians] will proclaim [say, prayse], “All [everything, every source] my springs [fountains, sources of satisfaction] of joy [blessings, happiness] are in You [in Your presence, with You].” word study