Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary PSALM 87
Ps 87:1-7. This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on [618]Ps 46:1, title]. The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation. 1. His—that is, God's foundation—or, what He has founded, that is, Zion (Isa 14:32). is in the holy mountains—the location of Zion, in the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem, being on several hills. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 2. gates—for the enclosures, or city to which they opened (Ps 9:14; 122:2; compare Ps 132:13, 14).
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 3. spoken of thee—or, "in thee," that is, the city of God (Ps 46:4; 48:2).
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 4. This is what is spoken by God.
to them … me—literally, "for My knowers," they are true worshippers (Ps 36:10; Isa 19:21). These are mentioned as specimens. this—that is, nation was born there—Of each it is said, "This was born," or is a native of Zion, spiritually. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 5. The writer resumes—
This and that man—literally, "man and man," or many (Ge 14:10; Ex 8:10, 14), or all (Isa 44:5; Ga 3:28). the highest … her—God is her protector. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 6. The same idea is set forth under the figure of a register made by God (compare Isa 4:3).
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee. 7. As in a great procession of those thus written up, or registered, seeking Zion (Isa 2:3; Jer 50:5), "the singers" and "players," or pipers, shall precede. all my springs—So each shall say, "All my sources of spiritual joy are in Thee" (Ps 46:4; 84:6). |
