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A song of praise from the Korah family.

87 The Lord built his city on the holy hills.
    He loves the gates of Zion more than any other place in Israel.
Wonderful things are said about you, City of God. Selah

God says, “Some of my people live in Egypt[a] and Babylon.
    Some of them were born in Philistia, Tyre, and even Ethiopia.”
But about Zion he says,
    “I know each and every person born there.”
    It is the city built by God Most High.
The Lord keeps a list of all his people,
    and he knows where each of them was born. Selah

At the festivals, people will dance and sing,
    “All good things come from Zion.”

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 87:4 Egypt Literally, “Rahab.” This name means the “Dragon.” It became a popular name for Egypt.

87 His foundation is in the holy mountains.

The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Psalm 87

Zion, the City of God

A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song.

His foundation is on the holy mountains.(A)
The Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.(B)
Glorious things are said about you,
city of God.(C)Selah

“I will mention those who know Me:
Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—
each one was born there.”(D)
And it will be said of Zion,
“This one and that one were born in her.”
The Most High Himself will establish her.(E)
When He registers the peoples,
the Lord will record,
“This one was born there.”(F)Selah
Singers and dancers alike will say,
“My whole source of joy is[a] in you.”(G)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 87:7 Lit “All my springs, are