Psalm 87 is a special song that exalts the city of Zion as the spiritual center chosen by God. Although short, it carries a powerful message about the importance of Jerusalem, highlighting it as the place loved by the Lord. In this article, we will explore Psalm 87 in depth—its messages, interpretations, historical and spiritual background—plus curiosities and frequently asked questions to enrich your understanding.
Complete Psalm 87
¹ Its foundation is in the holy mountains.
² The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
³ Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. (Selah.)
⁴ “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; behold, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—this one was born there.”
⁵ Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; and the Most High Himself will establish her.
⁶ The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” (Selah.)
⁷ Both singers and players on instruments say, “All my springs are in you.”
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Psalm 87:1
¹ Its foundation is in the holy mountains.
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👉 Participe do Nosso Quiz Bíblico e Teste Seus Conhecimentos!This verse shows that the city of Zion—Jerusalem—was built upon the holy mountains, a place chosen and sanctified by God. The foundation is not merely physical but also spiritual, revealing the city’s solid and blessed basis.
Psalm 87:2
² The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Here, God declares His special love for Jerusalem. He loves Zion’s gates—the places of entry and gathering—more than any other place among the tribes of Jacob (Israel). This underscores Jerusalem’s importance as the center of true worship.
Psalm 87:3
³ Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. (Selah.)
Jerusalem is exalted as the city of God, renowned for its glorious deeds, history, and divine presence. The word Selah calls readers to pause and reflect on these truths.
Psalm 87:4
⁴ “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; behold, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—this one was born there.”
This verse surprises by naming foreign peoples—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—who were often seen as Israel’s rivals. Yet God includes people from these nations as belonging to Zion, revealing a spiritual inclusion that transcends borders.
Psalm 87:5
⁵ Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; and the Most High Himself will establish her.
Zion becomes a symbol of spiritual rebirth. Regardless of origin, what matters is to be counted as born in Zion—part of God’s people. The Most High secures this belonging and establishes Zion as the center of faith.
Psalm 87:6
⁶ The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” (Selah.)
God is pictured as the One who documents the nations, noting who is recognized as belonging to Zion. This symbolizes inclusion and spiritual validation. Selah again invites reflection on the importance of being listed among God’s people.
Psalm 87:7
⁷ Both singers and players on instruments say, “All my springs are in you.”
The psalm ends with a joyful vision of worship. Singers and musicians celebrate in Zion, acknowledging that every source of joy, provision, and inspiration comes from God and His presence in the holy city. The psalmist declares that all his springs—his strength, hopes, and blessings—are found in Zion.
Introduction to Psalm 87
Psalm 87 begins by highlighting Zion’s foundations—the city chosen by God. It calls it the “city of gates” and places it above all other dwellings of Jacob. This praise is not merely geographic but spiritual: it recognizes Jerusalem as the center of the divine presence.
Historical Context of Psalm 87
Psalm 87 was written during a period rich in meaning for Israel, when Jerusalem had already been established as the spiritual, political, and cultural heart of the nation. To make reading easier, we will divide this context into parts.
Jerusalem as the Spiritual Center
Jerusalem was considered Israel’s spiritual center because Solomon’s Temple—seen as the place of God’s special presence—stood there. The tribes made annual pilgrimages to the city to celebrate feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen people. Zion, another poetic name for Jerusalem, symbolized not only faith but also divine faithfulness and protection.
Relations with Neighboring Peoples
The psalm lists foreign peoples such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush. This shows that Jerusalem, though an Israelite city, was already known among the nations. Their names are included not only geographically or politically but spiritually: the psalm anticipates a vision of inclusion and universality in which peoples once rivals would be considered part of Zion’s spiritual community.
The Role of the Temple and the Covenant
The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a physical place of sacrifice but a symbol of the covenant between God and His people. Choosing Jerusalem was rooted in the promise to David that the city would be the center of God’s messianic kingdom. This promise echoed not only for the people of that time but also pointed to the future—the idea of a heavenly Jerusalem gathering all peoples under God.
A Prophetic and Universal Outlook
The historical context of Psalm 87 reveals a prophetic anticipation: Jerusalem would not remain solely a national city but become a meeting point for all nations. The psalm suggests that God’s plan extends beyond Israel’s borders, including people from everywhere—later reaffirmed in the New Testament with the concept of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.
Structure and Themes of Psalm 87
God’s Love for Zion
Psalm 87 declares that God loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. This shows a special choice, placing Jerusalem as a center of blessing and a reference for all nations.
Zion as the Center of Nations
Psalm 87 surprises by listing foreign peoples such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, who would be regarded as “born” in Zion. The psalm anticipates a universal vision in which every nation recognizes Zion and its God.
The Register of Peoples
Psalm 87 mentions a book in which God records peoples, counting them as born in Zion. This symbolizes that those who approach God become part of His community regardless of origin.
Spiritual Importance of Psalm 87
Psalm 87 goes beyond historical context. It speaks of spiritual inclusion, unity, and the centrality of God in His people’s lives. Zion is a symbol of the heavenly city toward which all believers look as their final destination.
Interpretations of Psalm 87
Zion and the Church
Some interpret Psalm 87 as a reference to the church—the new people of God formed by individuals from every nation. Just as Zion welcomed foreigners, the church is called to welcome all.
Zion and the New Jerusalem
Others see in Psalm 87 a foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation—a heavenly city that will be home to all who belong to God.
Lessons from Psalm 87 for Today
Psalm 87 reminds us that God looks at hearts, not origins. He welcomes people from everywhere and includes them in His plan. It also teaches us to value spiritual unity above cultural or national differences.
Curiosities about Psalm 87
- Psalm 87 has only seven verses.
- It is attributed to the sons of Korah.
- Its tone is positive and celebratory, exalting Jerusalem.
- The psalm connects diverse peoples to Zion’s spiritual center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Psalm 87
What is the central theme of Psalm 87?
Psalm 87 celebrates Zion as the spiritual center chosen by God and highlights the inclusion of foreign nations in the divine plan.
What does “born in Zion” mean?
In Psalm 87, it means that even foreigners are regarded as part of God’s people, symbolizing universal inclusion.
Who are the peoples mentioned in Psalm 87?
Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush. Each of these peoples has a place in the divine plan and is viewed as sharing in a relationship with God.
How can I apply Psalm 87 to personal life?
By pursuing spiritual unity, welcoming different people, and recognizing the value of God’s presence in our lives regardless of origin.
Why does God love Zion?
Because He chose it as the place of His special presence—the center of worship and relationship with His people.
Final Reflections
Psalm 87 is a gem among the psalms. Small but full of meaning, it points to inclusion, unity, and God’s centrality. As we meditate on it, we are reminded that everyone is welcome in God’s Kingdom regardless of origin. May we live out this message daily—embracing and celebrating diversity within the spiritual body.
Psalm 87 continues to echo through the centuries, inviting us to look to Zion as the meeting place between God and His people—a place of joy, belonging, and fellowship. May this psalm inspire your heart today and strengthen your faith!
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I hope you enjoyed it.