Psalms 87
BSB1 He has founded His city on the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah 4 “I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’" 5 And it will be said of Zion: “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her." 6 The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah 7 Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You."
Study Notes — Psalms 87
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 87
- Themes from Psalms 87
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 87
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 87 is a psalm of Zion, celebrating the city of God as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell. The chapter begins by highlighting the foundations of Zion, which are holy (Psalms 87:1). The psalmist then declares that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2). The chapter also mentions the people who will be born in Zion, including Rahab and Babylon, who will be counted among the people of God (Psalms 87:4). The psalmist looks forward to the day when people from all nations will come to Zion to worship God, saying, 'This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her' (Psalms 87:5-6). The chapter concludes with a statement of trust in God's salvation and a desire to be near Him (Psalms 87:7).
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 87 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is often referred to as the 'Psalms of Ascent' because it includes a series of psalms that were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship God. Psalms 87 is a celebration of God's glory and His city, Zion, which is the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell. The chapter looks forward to the day when people from all nations will come to Zion to worship God, which is a picture of the heavenly Jerusalem that believers will inherit in Christ.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of worship and the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell. As believers, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, and to look forward to the day when we will worship Him in the heavenly Jerusalem. We should also be mindful of the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations, and be eager to share the gospel with those around us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 87 is a celebration of God's glory and His city, Zion. The chapter highlights the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell, and looks forward to the day when people from all nations will come to worship God there. As believers, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, and to look forward to the day when we will worship Him in the heavenly Jerusalem. For example, Psalms 87:1 says, 'His foundation is on the holy mountains', which emphasizes the holy nature of Zion.
Voices from the Church
“The church of God is the most glorious of all institutions, and the most worthy of our highest affections. It is the garden of the Lord, the paradise of the blessed, the city of God, the Zion of the Most High.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord has chosen Zion as the place where He will dwell, and has loved its gates more than all the dwellings of Jacob. This is a testimony to the special status of Zion as the place where God's people will come to worship Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Foundations of Zion (Psalms 87:1-3) — The chapter begins by highlighting the foundations of Zion, which are holy. The psalmist declares that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
- The People of Zion (Psalms 87:4-6) — The chapter mentions the people who will be born in Zion, including Rahab and Babylon, who will be counted among the people of God. The psalmist looks forward to the day when people from all nations will come to Zion to worship God.
- The Establishment of Zion (Psalms 87:5-6) — The psalmist declares that the Most High Himself will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him. This is a picture of the heavenly Jerusalem that believers will inherit in Christ.
- The Trust of the Psalmist (Psalms 87:7) — The chapter concludes with a statement of trust in God's salvation and a desire to be near Him. The psalmist says, 'Then I will make music to your name, O Lord, forever, fulfilling my vows day by day'.
- Conclusion — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of worship and the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell. As believers, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, and to look forward to the day when we will worship Him in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, which is evident in the declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2). This emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell.
- The Global Scope of God's Salvation
- The chapter also teaches the doctrine of the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations. This is evident in the mention of Rahab and Babylon, which are counted among the people of God (Psalms 87:4).
- The Importance of Worship
- The chapter highlights the importance of worship, which is the primary activity of God's people in Zion. This is evident in the psalmist's declaration that the Lord will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him (Psalms 87:5-6).
- The Heavenly Jerusalem
- The chapter also teaches the doctrine of the heavenly Jerusalem, which is the place where believers will worship God in the presence of Christ. This is evident in the psalmist's declaration that the Most High Himself will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him (Psalms 87:5-6).
Lessons from Psalms 87
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, which is the primary activity of God's people in Zion. As believers, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, and to look forward to the day when we will worship Him in the heavenly Jerusalem.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, which is evident in the declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2). This emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell.
- The Global Scope of God's Salvation — The chapter highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations. This is evident in the mention of Rahab and Babylon, which are counted among the people of God (Psalms 87:4).
- The Heavenly Jerusalem — The chapter teaches the doctrine of the heavenly Jerusalem, which is the place where believers will worship God in the presence of Christ. This is evident in the psalmist's declaration that the Most High Himself will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him (Psalms 87:5-6).
- The Trust of the Psalmist — The chapter concludes with a statement of trust in God's salvation and a desire to be near Him. As believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to desire His presence in our lives.
Themes from Psalms 87
- The Glory of God — The chapter celebrates the glory of God, which is evident in the declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2).
- The City of God — The chapter highlights the special status of Zion as the city of God, where the Lord has chosen to dwell. This is evident in the psalmist's declaration that the Most High Himself will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him (Psalms 87:5-6).
- The Global Scope of God's Salvation — The chapter highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations. This is evident in the mention of Rahab and Babylon, which are counted among the people of God (Psalms 87:4).
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, which is the primary activity of God's people in Zion. As believers, we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, and to look forward to the day when we will worship Him in the heavenly Jerusalem.
- The Trust of the Psalmist — The chapter concludes with a statement of trust in God's salvation and a desire to be near Him. As believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to desire His presence in our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the special status of Zion in the eyes of God, according to Psalms 87:2?
- How does the chapter describe the people who will be born in Zion, according to Psalms 87:4-6?
- What is the significance of the Most High establishing Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him, according to Psalms 87:5-6?
- How does the chapter conclude, according to Psalms 87:7?
- What is the main theme of Psalms 87, and how does it relate to the broader biblical narrative?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Foundations of Zion (Psalms 87:1-3)
| 87:1 | The chapter begins by highlighting the foundations of Zion, which are holy. The psalmist declares that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. |
| 87:2 | The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. This emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell. |
| 87:3 | The psalmist says, 'Glorious things are spoken of you, city of God'. This highlights the special status of Zion as the city of God, where the Lord has chosen to dwell. |
2. The People of Zion (Psalms 87:4-6)
| 87:4 | The chapter mentions the people who will be born in Zion, including Rahab and Babylon, who will be counted among the people of God. This highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations. |
| 87:5 | The psalmist says, 'This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her'. This emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell. |
| 87:6 | The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: 'This one was born in Zion'. This highlights the special status of Zion as the place where God's people will come to worship Him. |
3. The Trust of the Psalmist (Psalms 87:7)
| 87:7 | The chapter concludes with a statement of trust in God's salvation and a desire to be near Him. The psalmist says, 'Then I will make music to your name, O Lord, forever, fulfilling my vows day by day'. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Zion in Psalms 87?
Zion is the city of God, where the Lord has chosen to dwell. It is the place where God's people will come to worship Him, and it is the foundation of God's kingdom on earth. According to Psalms 87:1, 'His foundation is on the holy mountains'.
Who are the people who will be born in Zion, according to Psalms 87:4?
The people who will be born in Zion include Rahab and Babylon, who will be counted among the people of God. This highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which includes people from all nations.
What is the significance of the Most High establishing Zion, according to Psalms 87:5-6?
The Most High establishing Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him is a picture of the heavenly Jerusalem that believers will inherit in Christ. It emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell, and highlights the importance of worship in the life of God's people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 87:1 → Psalms 2:6 | Both passages refer to the Lord's sovereign choice of Zion as the place where He will dwell. In Psalms 2:6, the Lord says, 'I have installed my King on Zion, my holy mountain'. |
| 2 | Psalms 87:2 → Psalms 78:68 | Both passages refer to the Lord's love for Zion, which is the city of God. In Psalms 78:68, the Lord says, 'He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved'. |
| 3 | Psalms 87:4 → Isaiah 19:25 | Both passages refer to the inclusion of the nations in God's people. In Isaiah 19:25, the Lord says, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance'. |
| 4 | Psalms 87:5 → John 1:1 | Both passages refer to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In John 1:1, the Word is described as the one who was in the beginning with God and was God. |
| 5 | Psalms 87:6 → Hebrews 12:22 | Both passages refer to the heavenly Jerusalem that believers will inherit in Christ. In Hebrews 12:22, the author says, 'You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem'. |
| 6 | Psalms 87:7 → Psalms 100:4 | Both passages refer to the importance of worship in the life of God's people. In Psalms 100:4, the psalmist says, 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name'. |
| 7 | Psalms 87:1 → Ephesians 2:19 | Both passages refer to the inclusion of the nations in God's people. In Ephesians 2:19, the author says, 'You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household'. |
| 8 | Psalms 87:2 → Revelation 21:27 | Both passages refer to the Lord's love for Zion, which is the city of God. In Revelation 21:27, the author says, 'Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life'. |
| 9 | Psalms 87:4 → Isaiah 2:2 | Both passages refer to the inclusion of the nations in God's people. In Isaiah 2:2, the Lord says, 'In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it'. |
| 10 | Psalms 87:5 → Matthew 25:34 | Both passages refer to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In Matthew 25:34, the King says, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world'. |
Sermons on Psalms 87
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Gleanings From Psalm 87 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of measuring success in ministry by the impact it has on the youth. He cautions against using superficial methods, such as inc |
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Ye Are Come Unto Mount Zion by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the reality and power of the spiritual realm that believers have come to. He contrasts the abstract and imaginary nature of the natural world |
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the message being shared during their gatherings. They express concern that the teachings should not just be ideas or conce |
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the citizens of Zion, referring to believers in Christ. He highlights the significance of the gates of the city as places o |
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Multitudes in the Valley of Decision by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in the name of the Son of God are |
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Isaac, a Man of the Wells by Don Courville | This sermon delves into the story of Isaac and the wells, highlighting the importance of living under the authority of God's presence, the consequences of compromise and strife, an |
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'Why Study the Book of Zechariah?' & 'Understanding Its Historical Context' by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of studying the Book of Zechariah, which focuses on Jerusalem's destiny and God's fervent love for the city. He explains that every chapter |
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Why We Love Jerusalem: The Most Unique City in History by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound significance of Jerusalem in God's plan, asserting that it is the only city that the Lord has declared His zeal and love for throughout scriptur |
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Thanksgiving by Oswald Chambers | Oswald Chambers preaches about the importance of thanking God for various aspects of our Christian journey, including salvation, strength in weakness, difficulties, belonging to Hi |
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The Glory of the Church in the Latter Day. by John Gill | John Gill preaches about the future glory of the Church in the latter days, emphasizing the significant spiritual reign of Christ and the eventual personal reign that will follow. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 87
According to Matthew Henry, Psalms 87 is a celebration of God's glory and His city, Zion. The chapter highlights the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell, and looks forward to the day when people from all nations will come to worship God there. Henry notes that the chapter teaches the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, which is evident in the declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2). He also emphasizes the importance of worship, which is the primary activity of God's people in Zion. As Henry says, 'The Lord loves the gates of Zion, and therefore we should love them too, and make it our business to promote the interests of the city of God'. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Global Scope of God's Salvation
The chapter highlights the global scope of God's salvation, which will include people from all nations. This is evident in the mention of Rahab and Babylon, which are counted among the people of God (Psalms 87:4).
The Special Status of Zion
The chapter emphasizes the special status of Zion as the place where the Lord has chosen to dwell. This is evident in the declaration that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalms 87:2).
The Importance of Worship
The chapter highlights the importance of worship, which is the primary activity of God's people in Zion. This is evident in the psalmist's declaration that the Lord will establish Zion as the place where His people will come to worship Him (Psalms 87:5-6).