(1) Overview
(BKC) This psalm expands on the idea in Psalm 86:9, that nations will someday worship the Lord. Psalm 87 is a song about the glorious things said about Zion, the city of God. After depicting Zion as God’s glorious city, the psalmist described how the nations will gather to her as children, and how joyful are those who dwell there
(2) Outline
(Kel Ps)
I. The psalmist depicts the glorious city of Zion as the beloved dwelling of the LORD (1–3).
A. The foundation of his sanctuary is in the holy mountains (1).
B. The LORD loves the sacred city of Zion more than all other locations in the land (2).
C. Glorious things are spoken of Zion, the city of God (3).
II. The psalmist details how the nations are gathered as children who are born there (4–6).
A. He enumerates the nations of Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia as being gathered to Zion (4).
B. He confirms that many were born to Zion (5).
C. He explains that the LORD counts those who are gathered as born to Zion (6).
III. The psalmist describes the joy of those who sing and dance, for their pleasure is in Zion (7).
(3) Difficult verse
87:4 I mention Rahab [(NET) "Rahab,” which means “proud one,” is used here as a title for Egypt] and Babylon to my followers.
Here are Philistia and Tyre, along with Ethiopia.
It is said of them, “This one was born there.”
[to my followers]=(NET) Some take the preposition in the sense of “among” and translate, “among those who know me” (cf. NEB, NIV, NRSV). In this case these foreigners are viewed as the LORD’s people and the psalm is interpreted as anticipating a time when all nations will worship the LORD (see Ps 86:9) and be considered citizens of Zion.
It is said of them, “This one was born there.”
[to my followers]=(NET) Some take the preposition in the sense of “among” and translate, “among those who know me” (cf. NEB, NIV, NRSV). In this case these foreigners are viewed as the LORD’s people and the psalm is interpreted as anticipating a time when all nations will worship the LORD (see Ps 86:9) and be considered citizens of Zion.
(EBC) These nations are representative of the various powers that dominated much of Israel’s history: oppressors (Babylon), troublers (Philistia), and enticers (Egypt, Cush, and Tyre). Regardless of how the nations may have related to God’s people in the past, individuals from these nations may still participate in God’s “city.”
Reflection: In the future, God will count these enemies of Israel as people of His City. They will be seen as ones who were born there or being treated as native. Why is that important? Because the City of God is protected by God v.5b. Therefore they are joyous v.7.
As believers in Jesus Christ we are also the citizens of the kingdom of the Son (Col1:13) and the citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20). We enjoy all the privileges as citizens. Are we joyful like them?
For those enemies to be so joyous when they are considered to be citizens of Zion, there must be some changes in their hearts. The fact is God wil rule over all nations and therefore they will be joyous when they can be part of His City. Israel right now is a tiny nation. Just like us, we may be oppressed or surrounded by all kinds of problems. God will rule one day and we have hope in Him.
Audrey
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