Psalms 87
DOYLYPsalms 87:2
- The Lord loveth &c.] The Lord takes more pleasure to dwell in his tabernacle, and his temple, on Zion, than in all the rest of the land of Judah or Israel. Bp. Hall.
Psalms 87:4
- I will make mention &c.] The accession of the nations to the Church is generally supposed to be here predicted. God declares by his Prophet, “I will make mention of,” or cause to be remembered, “Egypt and Babylon,” the old enemies of Israel, “to” or “among them that know me,” that is, in the number of my worshippers; “behold, also, Philistia and Tyre, with Arabia;” these are become mine; “this,” or each of these, “is born there,” that is, in the city of God; they are become children of God, and citizens of Zion. Bp. Horne.
— Rahab] Meaning Egypt. The Hebrew word HIS foundation is in the holy mountains.
Psalms 87:13
- — the lowest hell.] Extreme dangers; the grave. Dr. Wells, Green.
This prayer should excite those who are in affliction and distress to call upon God for help with profound humility, and firm confidence in his mercy and power; beseeching Him not only to deliver them from the evil which press sore upon them, but, above all, to give them grace to please and obey Him. We ought likewise in our troubles to meditate upon God’s infinite goodness, and consider that “he is full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” This will support us under all our trials, fill us with joy and consolation, and afford us, even in the midst of trouble, reason to praise and bless Him. Ostervold.
Psalm LXXXVII. This Psalm contains a brief comparison, first, between Zion, the place of God’s worship, and all Judea besides; and then between it and all heathen countries. Dr. Hammond.
Ver. 1. His foundation &c.] That is, Zion is of God’s founding. See Isa. xiv. 32; and Psalm cxxxii. 13. Dr. Chandler.