Psalms 87
Psalms 87 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 87 summary
The foregoing psalm was very plain and easy, but in this are things dark and hard to be understood. It is an encomium of Zion, as a type and figure of the gospel-church, to which what is here spoken is very applicable. Zion, for the temple's sake, is here preferred, I. Before the rest of the land of Canaan, as being crowned with special tokens of God's favour (Psa 87:1-3).
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The foregoing psalm was very plain and easy, but in this are things dark and hard to be understood. It is an encomium of Zion, as a type and figure of the gospel-church, to which what is here spoken is very applicable. Zion, for the temple's sake, is here preferred, I. Before the rest of the land of Canaan, as being crowned with special tokens of God's favour (Psa 87:1-3). II. Before any other place or country whatsoever, as being replenished with more eminent men and with a greater plenty of divine blessings (Psa 87:4-7). Some think it was penned to express the joy of God's people when Zion was in a flourishing state; others think it was penned to encourage their faith and hope when Zion was in ruins and was to be rebuilt after the captivity. Though no man cared for her (Jer 30:17, "This is Zion whom no man seeketh after"), yet God had done great things for her, and spoken glorious things of her, which should all have their perfection and accomplishment in the gospel-church; to that therefore we must have an eye in singing this psalm. A psalm or song for the sons of Korah.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 87 (WEB)
World English Bible (public domain)
Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
1A Psalm by the sons of Korah; a Song. His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah. 4I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.” 5Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her;” the Most High himself will establish her. 6The LORD will count, when he writes up the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah. 7Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.”