CHAPTER 87
AUTHOR UNKNOWN: THE GLORIES OF ZION
1His foundation is in the holy mountains. (Even though this Psalm was written for the sons of Korah, it could very well have been penned by David. It was probably given by the Spirit on the occasion of the bringing up of the Ark to Jerusalem [II Sam., Chpt. 6]. The holy mountains probably refer to those of Jerusalem, or possibly the entirety of the Land of Israel.)
2The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (This means that the Lord has chosen Zion as His chief habitation in Israel [Isa. 8:18; Ps. 48:2; 50:2; 78:68]. This Passage plainly tells us that the Muslims will not occupy Zion much longer.)
3Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah. (This speaks of Jerusalem.)
4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them who know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. (Psalms 22:27 will possibly help explain Verse 4. The two names given here by the Holy Spirit, Rahab [meaning Egypt] and Babylon, are expressed in Hebrew, arrogance and confusion. The two terms fitly portray the nature of human government.
In the coming Kingdom Age, Jerusalem will be the princely city of the nations of the world. It will be that for many reasons, but the greatest reason of all is that Jesus was born there. [Bethlehem may be accounted as a suburb of Jerusalem.]
Coupled with Calvary and the Resurrection, there is no event that supersedes this. Zions greatness is attributed to the birth of Christ and not to His Crucifixion. The Crucifixion was the foulest murder ever carried out by wicked hearts. It, as well, was carried out in Zion.
But, inasmuch as this great event of Psalm 87 takes place in the Millennial Reign, this terrible sin committed by the people of Zion will no longer be remembered by God and, in fact, will be blotted out, even as all sins are blotted out, once the person is washed in the Blood of the Lamb [Eph. 2:1318].)
5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her (Jerusalem D.C. [Davids Capital]).
6The LORD shall count, when He writes up the people, that this Man was born there. Selah. (Irrespective of who may have been born in Jerusalem down through the centuries, as mentioned in Verse 5, the only one Who really counts is this Man, i.e., the Lord Jesus Christ.)
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in you. (All blessings will flow out of Zion [Isa. 2:24].)