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.

The Privileges of Citizenship in Zion.

A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song.

87 His (A)foundation is in the holy mountains.
The Lord (B)loves the gates of Zion
More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob.
(C)Glorious things are spoken of you,
(D)City of God. Selah
“I shall mention [a](E)Rahab and Babylon [b]among those who know Me;
Behold, Philistia and (F)Tyre with [c](G)Cush:
‘This one was born there.’”
But of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her”;
And the Most High Himself will (H)establish her.
The Lord will count when He (I)registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
Then those who (J)sing as well as those who [d](K)play the flutes will say,
“All my (L)springs of joy are in you.”

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 87:4 I.e., Egypt, as a sea monster; not to be confused with Rahab in Joshua 2
  2. Psalm 87:4 Or as
  3. Psalm 87:4 Or Ethiopia
  4. Psalm 87:7 Or dance

Psalm 87

A song of the sons of Korah.

He laid His foundation on the sacred mountains.
The Eternal loves Zion’s gates;
    He prefers it over any other place where Jacob’s descendants make their homes.
Spectacular things are said about you,
    O Jerusalem, city of the True God.

[pause][a]

God says, “I tell of some who know Me in Egypt[b] and Babylon;
    behold, My people are in Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia[c] too:
    ‘This person was born there.’”

It is said of Zion,
    “This person and that person were born in her.”
    The Most High God has established that city and makes her strong.
When keeping track of His people, the Eternal surely notices,
    “This one was born in Zion.”

[pause]

Those who sing and those who dance will say together,
    “All my fountains of joy are in You.”

Footnotes

  1. 87:3 Literally, selah, likely a musical direction from a Hebrew root meaning “to lift up”
  2. 87:4 Hebrew, Rahab, a poetic reference to Egypt
  3. 87:4 Hebrew, Cush