Psalm 87: His Foundation in The Holy Mountains

Introduction: Psalm 87 is a beautiful piece of poetry that speaks to the majesty and wonder of God’s city, Zion. The psalmist’s words are both inspiring and thought-provoking, compelling readers to look beyond the literal interpretation of the text towards deeper spiritual implications. The Psalm celebrates not only the city of Zion but also the people who call it home. In this outline, we will evaluate the inspiring elements of Psalm 87, exploring its themes, context, and the theological teachings it imparts.

I. Psalm 87:1-2 – The Foundation of Zion
Psalm 87:1-2 sets the initial tone by clarifying Zion’s divine foundation. The psalmist speaks of God’s love for Zion, emphasizing that He himself established it. God’s love for His city is also captured in Psalms 132:13-14 and Isaiah 14:32. The divine choice of Zion as His dwelling place is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. This invites us to reflect on the privilege of being residents in God’s city, a theme mirrored in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:2.

II. Psalm 87:3 – Glorious Things Spoken of Zion
Verse 3 of Psalm 87 continues to underscore the glorious nature of Zion. The psalmist asserts that glorious things are spoken of Zion, indicating its divine favor and richness. This notion is corroborated by similar scriptures such as Isaiah 60:1-3, and Revelation 21:26, which speak of the glory and honor brought to the city. This speaks to the value God places on His people, paralleled in 1 Peter 2:9.

III. Psalm 87:4-6 – Inclusion of the Nations
In verses 4-6, the Psalm takes an interesting turn as the psalmist begins to mention other nations. The inclusion of Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia – traditional enemies of Zion – implies that God’s love extends beyond the borders of Zion. Supporting verses include Isaiah 2:2-4 and Ephesians 2:14-18, which foresee a time when all nations will journey to the House of God. This universal vision of God’s kingdom echoes in Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.

IV. Psalm 87:7 – The Source of Life and Joy
The final verse, Psalm 87:7, encapsulates the essence of the chapter, asserting that all those who are rooted in Zion find their life and joy in God. It conveys the idea that Zion is not just a geographical place but a spiritual home where God’s presence dwells. This concept is aligned with John 15:11 and Philippians 4:4, which reiterate the joy found in Christ.

Conclusion: Psalm 87 not only sheds light the special status of Zion as the divine city but also encapsulates the inclusive love of God, which extends to all nations. It offers a vision of God’s kingdom where all will find their joy and life in Him. Psalm 87’s inspiring words invite us to consider our position as citizens of God’s divine city and challenge us to live in a manner worthy of this high calling.