The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 87
In brief
Psalm 87 is a psalm of the sons of Korah, very short and surprising. It sings of Zion, the city of God, founded on the holy mountains and loved by the Lord more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Then it announces that Egypt, Babylon, the Philistines, Tyre and Ethiopia are counted among those who know God and are born in Zion. The psalm ends with the joy of the singers: all my springs are in you. Many Christians see in it a salvation open to all nations.
The chapter in 3 parts
1His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God.
4I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.”
5Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her;” the Most High himself will establish her.
6Yahweh will count, when he writes up the peoples, “This one was born there.”
7Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.”
Key verses
Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. The psalm begins with God's choice, before any merit.
Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God.
Glorious things are spoken of the city of God. The psalmist announces that what follows is a word of glory over Zion.
I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.” Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her;” the Most High himself will establish her.
Enemy or distant nations are counted among those who know God and are born in Zion. Belonging to the people of God opens up beyond Israel.
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.”
The closing song says that every source of joy and life is found in God, in the midst of his people.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 87
What does Psalm 87 mean?
Psalm 87 celebrates Zion as the mother of peoples: nations that were not Israel are counted there as born. It announces that the knowledge of God is not reserved for a single people. Christians gladly read it in the light of the gospel opened to all nations.
Who are the sons of Korah in Psalm 87?
The sons of Korah were a family of Levites in charge of singing and of guarding the temple. Several psalms carry their name (Psalms 42, 84, 87 and others). The title of Psalm 87 attributes it to them without naming a specific author.
How can I pray Psalm 87?
Thank God for welcoming you into his people when you had no right to it, like the nations of verses 4 and 5. Then pray for peoples or persons far from him, and finish with verse 7: all my springs are in you.
Articles quoting Psalm 87
World English Bible translation — public domain.