{"id":7841,"date":"2025-05-30T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/?p=7841"},"modified":"2025-05-30T16:06:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:06:56","slug":"psalm-87-a-song-of-glory-to-zion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/en\/psalm-87-a-song-of-glory-to-zion\/","title":{"rendered":"Psalm 87: A Song of Glory to Zion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> 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<\/strong> in depth\u2014its messages, interpretations, historical and spiritual background\u2014plus curiosities and frequently asked questions to enrich your understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9 Its foundation is in the holy mountains.
\u00b2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
\u00b3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. (Selah.)
\u2074 \u201cI will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; behold, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush\u2014this one was born there.\u201d
\u2075 Yes, of Zion it will be said, \u201cThis one and that one were born in her\u201d; and the Most High Himself will establish her.
\u2076 The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples, \u201cThis one was born there.\u201d (Selah.)
\u2077 Both singers and players on instruments say, \u201cAll my springs are in you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Psalm<\/figure>\n\n\n

Verse-by-Verse Explanation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9 Its foundation is in the holy mountains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verse shows that the city of Zion\u2014Jerusalem\u2014was built upon the holy mountains, a place chosen and sanctified by God. The foundation is not merely physical but also spiritual, revealing the city\u2019s solid and blessed basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u00b2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, God declares His special love for Jerusalem. He loves Zion\u2019s gates\u2014the places of entry and gathering\u2014more than any other place among the tribes of Jacob (Israel). This underscores Jerusalem\u2019s importance as the center of true worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u00b3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. (Selah.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2074 \u201cI will make mention of Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; behold, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush\u2014this one was born there.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verse surprises by naming foreign peoples\u2014Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush\u2014who were often seen as Israel\u2019s rivals. Yet God includes people from these nations as belonging to Zion, revealing a spiritual inclusion that transcends borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2075 Yes, of Zion it will be said, \u201cThis one and that one were born in her\u201d; and the Most High Himself will establish her.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zion becomes a symbol of spiritual rebirth. Regardless of origin, what matters is to be counted as born in Zion\u2014part of God\u2019s people. The Most High secures this belonging and establishes Zion as the center of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2076 The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples, \u201cThis one was born there.\u201d (Selah.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87:7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2077 Both singers and players on instruments say, \u201cAll my springs are in you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014his strength, hopes, and blessings\u2014are found in Zion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> begins by highlighting Zion\u2019s foundations\u2014the city chosen by God. It calls it the \u201ccity of gates\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Historical Context of Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jerusalem as the Spiritual Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jerusalem was considered Israel\u2019s spiritual center because Solomon\u2019s Temple\u2014seen as the place of God\u2019s special presence\u2014stood there. The tribes made annual pilgrimages to the city to celebrate feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, reinforcing their identity as God\u2019s chosen people. Zion, another poetic name for Jerusalem, symbolized not only faith but also divine faithfulness and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relations with Neighboring Peoples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s spiritual community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Role of the Temple and the Covenant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s messianic kingdom. This promise echoed not only for the people of that time but also pointed to the future\u2014the idea of a heavenly Jerusalem gathering all peoples under God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Prophetic and Universal Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The historical context of Psalm 87<\/strong> 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\u2019s plan extends beyond Israel\u2019s borders, including people from everywhere\u2014later reaffirmed in the New Testament with the concept of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Structure and Themes of Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Love for Zion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zion as the Center of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> surprises by listing foreign peoples such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, who would be regarded as \u201cborn\u201d in Zion. The psalm anticipates a universal vision in which every nation recognizes Zion and its God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Register of Peoples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiritual Importance of Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> goes beyond historical context. It speaks of spiritual inclusion, unity, and the centrality of God in His people\u2019s lives. Zion is a symbol of the heavenly city toward which all believers look as their final destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interpretations of Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Zion and the Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some interpret Psalm 87<\/strong> as a reference to the church\u2014the new people of God formed by individuals from every nation. Just as Zion welcomed foreigners, the church is called to welcome all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zion and the New Jerusalem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Others see in Psalm 87<\/strong> a foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation\u2014a heavenly city that will be home to all who belong to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lessons from Psalm 87 for Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 87<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curiosities about Psalm 87<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n