The Bible Says
Psalm 87:1-7 Meaning

A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song. In the opening heading of Psalm 87:1-7, we see that those assigned to guide worship in the temple are credited with this composition. The sons of Korah served among the Levites during the era of Israel’s kingdom, leading the people in songs of praise. This likely took place in the days of David and continued under Solomon’s reign (around 1000 to 900 BC), aligning them firmly in Israel’s worship history.

They present their poetic reflections in song form to elevate the special place God holds in the hearts of His people. These worship leaders contributed a deep sense of reverence and devotion, reminding all who sang this composition that it offers a valuable glimpse into Israel’s profound relationship with the Lord.

His foundation is in the holy mountains (v. 1). These words portray the Lord’s dwelling as firmly planted in a sacred and elevated setting. In ancient Israel, the phrase holy mountains often referenced the hills surrounding Jerusalem, underscoring the high esteem placed upon the city of David. The Psalm calls to mind the idea that God’s city is not merely on any hilltop, but in a place marked by holiness and set apart for His purposes.

In a broader spiritual sense, this verse can point us to the Lord’s unshakeable nature. Just as a foundation on mountains endures changes in seasons and weather, so also God’s eternal promises stand above the shifting circumstances of life. Centuries later, New Testament writers would echo the confidence in a firm foundation, encouraging believers to anchor themselves in the steadfast character of the Lord.

The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwelling places of Jacob (v. 2). This statement focuses on Zion, another name for Jerusalem, the city chosen to host God’s sanctuary. Jerusalem stood in the southern region of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel, and its significance reached beyond being a mere capital; it carried a deep covenantal importance. The gates mentioned here could represent both the physical entry points as well as the idea of communal gathering and worship within the city.

This love for Zion transcends merely favoring one location over others; it underscores the special bond between God and His covenant people. In later Scripture, Zion is often symbolically identified with the presence of the Almighty (Hebrews 12:22). The verse then sparks a reflection on God’s delight to dwell among His faithful, establishing a place where heavenly joy touches the earth.

Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God; Selah (v. 3). This powerful statement declares that Jerusalem receives abundant praise throughout the generations. As the city of God, it holds a distinct honor: it is the site of the temple, where the divine presence was celebrated. The word Selah encourages a reflective pause, urging the worshiper to meditate on how immense these glorious things must be.

One might recall various accounts from Israel’s history, such as King David bringing the ark of the covenant to Zion, and later Solomon dedicating the grand temple. These milestones demonstrate the layers of significance ascribed to the city. Beyond physical grandeur, the glory of Zion lies in its role as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and a foretaste of His eternal kingdom.

I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there’ (v. 4). Here, the psalm extends a glorious vision of God’s city by naming important foreign nations that surround Israel — Rahab is a poetic designation for Egypt, while Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia were prominent powers in the region. The writer proclaims that people from these diverse parts of the world will be linked to Zion.

This inclusive declaration points to a time when worshipers will not be limited by national identity. In fact, the call for global worship resonates with the New Testament understanding of believers coming from every tribe and language. God’s message of hope was not sealed away for Israel alone but made available to every nation (Acts 10:34-35). Zion thus previews the universal invitation to draw near to God.

But of Zion it shall be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her’; And the Most High Himself will establish her (v. 5). This verse continues the powerful message that people from far and near will be considered true natives of Zion. It implies the kind of covenant relationship that transcends geography. In the kingdom of God, being born in Zion extends beyond physical birth into spiritual belonging.

The fact that the Most High Himself will establish Zion underscores the eternal, unbreakable nature of the covenant between God and His people. Though earthly kingdoms rise and fall, the foundation of God’s presence remains secure. For believers, this theme resonates with Jesus’ teaching on new birth (John 3:3), showing that one’s ultimate home is with God, regardless of where they came from originally.

The LORD will count when He registers the peoples, ‘This one was born there.’ Selah (v. 6). Now the psalm portrays another striking image. God is depicted as recording people in a divine register, affirming their spiritual citizenship in Zion. This evokes the picture of a heavenly accounting, in which the Lord recognizes all who are His, no matter their background.

Thoughtful consideration follows this promise, indicated by another use of Selah. It invites the faithful to pause and marvel at the radical inclusivity of God’s kingdom. Regardless of past histories or cultural barriers, all are equally counted in His merciful plan. The reference further reminds us that this registry marks an unbreakable bond between God and His own.

Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, ‘All my springs of joy are in you’ (v. 7). The concluding verse depicts a joyful celebration, with music at the heart of communal praise. The springs mentioned here convey an image of abundant resources or blessings — all of which the worshipers find flowing from Zion. Flute players and singers unite in acknowledging the city as a source of spiritual sustenance.

For the people of Israel, this underscores how the worship of God is a wellspring of life. In Christian teaching, Jesus stands as the ultimate fountain of living water (John 7:37-38), fulfilling the hopes of Zion by offering eternal refreshment. When the psalm proclaims that All my springs of joy are in you, it anticipates the deeper reality of satisfaction in the presence of the Lord, both now and forever.