Psalm 87

Introduction.—Some commentators have seen in this psalm a depiction of the city of Zion as the capital of God’s universal kingdom, citizens of all nations being reborn into its citizenship. It is doubtful whether the somewhat obscure language of the psalm can be interpreted in this way (see on v. 4). The poem has two short stanzas of three verses each, followed by a lyric conclusion that consists of a single verse.

On the superscription see pp. 617, 627.

1. His foundation. That is, Zion, which God founded and where He “dwells” (see Isa. 14:32).

Holy mountains. Jerusalem is encircled by hills; in the city itself are the hills of Zion and Moriah (see on Ps. 48:2; cf. Ps. 133:3).

2. Gates of Zion. The gates of a city were the places where business was transacted, where courts were held, where the pulse of human activity was felt (see Ps. 9:14; 122:2; Isa. 29:21). By figure, “gates” represent the entire city. God beheld with great pleasure the multitudes pressing through the gates on their way to Zion.

Dwellings. Perhaps the various places where the Hebrews lived; or, specifically, the various places where the ark had reposed before it was brought to Jerusalem by David.

3. City of God. See Ps. 46:4; 48:1.

Selah. See p. 629.

4. Rahab. A poetical designation for Egypt (see Isa. 30:7, RSV). The context, uniting “Rahab” with “Babylon,” clarifies the reference to Egypt: the two nations were equally proud and arrogant in their antagonism to Israel.

Philistia, and Tyre. See Ps. 83:7; cf. Ps. 68:31.

This man was born there. Some commentators contend that the adverb “there” designates Zion; hence the interpretation that represents Zion as the capital of a universal kingdom (see Introduction to Ps. 87). It seems more natural to apply the adverb to the places mentioned in the immediately preceding context: Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia. Such an application is clearly seen in the following paraphrase of v. 4: “I will mention Egypt and Babylon to my intimates; look at Philistia, Tyre, or even Ethiopia. So-and-So was born there.” The psalmist seems to be emphasizing that beyond the fondest patriotism of the natives of these lands is the privilege of being a native of Zion. The whole psalm appears to be a grand eulogy on the Holy City as a birthplace.

5. In her. Citizenship in Zion is presented as the supreme privilege.

Establish her. See Ps. 48:8.

6. Shall count. A beautiful picture further emphasizing the cherished privilege of being able to record Zion as one’s birthplace.

Selah. See p. 629.

7. Players on instruments. Heb. cholelim, “dancers.” On dancing as a factor in religious worship, see Ex. 15:20; see on 2 Sam. 6:14.

All my springs. Milton paraphrased this verse:

“Both they who sing and they who dance

With sacred songs are there;

In thee fresh brooks and soft streams glance,

And all my fountains clear.”

Ellen G. White comments

7 Ed 307; PK 730