Psalm 87 Study Notes

Ps 87 title On sons of Korah, see note at Ps 42 title.

87:1 The fact that God founded or “established” the city (Jerusalem) on its mountains renders them holy.

87:2 Court proceedings, social interaction, and commercial transactions normally took place in the city gates (Ru 4:1-2; Jb 29:7-10; Pr 24:7). The Lord reinforced Jerusalem as the preferred location for his sanctuary.

87:3 City of God means belonging to God, as a possession.

87:4 The universal outlook of the psalm is evident as the psalmist recounted major powers of Mesopotamia, all once historical enemies of Israel. Rahab, the mythical dragon-like chaos monster, represented Egypt (Is 30:7). Babylon was known for its oppression while Philistia had a reputation for aggression. These, along with the wealthy of Tyre, and the Cushites from the Nubian kingdom south of Egypt, would attain the status of naturalized citizens with full privileges though they were born in another country. From an eschatological perspective, these nations would be qualified to participate in Israel’s feasts and Torah instruction since all national distinctions would be eliminated under the Lord’s kingship (Is 2:2-4; 49:18-23; 56:3,6-7; Zch 14:16-18).

87:5-7 Despite the inclusion of Gentile nations, the Lord would appoint Israel to a special position of leadership in the eschatological kingdom because of her birthright (Is 60; 62:1-5).