Skip to main content

    Psalms 87 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 87 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 87

    Explore Topics Related to Psalms 87

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Psalm 2:1-2 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Authority

    Commentary

    Psalm 12:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Purity of God's Word

    Bible Story

    Philip and the Ethiopian

    Acts 8:26-40 • The Gospel Goes to the Nations

    Spiritual Warfare

    Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

    The shoes of the gospel give the believer firm footing in the peace of Christ an

    Spiritual Warfare

    Pulling Down Strongholds (2 Corinthians 10)

    Strongholds are fortified patterns of thought raised up against the knowledge of

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Comfort in Psalms

    10 curated KJV verses

    Psalms 87 Summary

    Psalm 87 is a brief but remarkable psalm about Zion as the city of God. What makes it extraordinary is its inclusion of gentile nations—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—as being 'born in Zion.'

    This is a radical vision of inclusion, declaring that people from enemy nations will one day be counted as citizens of God's city. It foreshadows the gospel's invitation to all peoples.

    Key Themes

    Zion as God's cityInclusion of the nationsSpiritual citizenshipForeshadowing the gospel

    Key Verses in Psalms 87

    "I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, 'This one was born in Zion.'"

    — Psalms 87:4

    A stunning declaration of inclusion—even Israel's enemies can be counted as born in God's city.

    Life Application

    God's kingdom has no ethnic, national, or cultural barriers. The gospel invites everyone to become citizens of His eternal city.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is 'Rahab' in Psalm 87?

    Not the person Rahab, but a poetic name for Egypt, used as a symbol of chaos and opposition to God.

    Psalm 87 Commentary & Reflection

    Praise
    Joyful, inclusive

    Best read for: Celebrating God's inclusive love, church unity

    Overview of Psalm 87: The City of God

    Psalm 87 celebrates Zion as God's beloved city. Its foundations are in the holy mountains and God loves its gates more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Remarkably, the psalm declares that peoples from Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will be counted as born in Zion — foreigners welcomed into God's city. All the springs of joy are found there.

    Key Themes

    Zion
    Inclusion
    God's Love
    Joy

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.”
    — Psalm 87:3 (KJV)
    “As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.”
    — Psalm 87:7 (KJV)

    Reflection

    God's city has room for everyone — even traditional enemies. This psalm previews the New Testament vision where there is neither Jew nor Gentile. God's love is wider than you think.

    Historical Context

    A brief but revolutionary psalm declaring that foreigners—even from enemy nations like Egypt, Babylon, and Philistia—will be counted as citizens of Zion. 'This one was born there' extends the birthright of God's city to all peoples, anticipating the New Testament vision of a multinational Church.

    How to Apply Psalm 87 Today

    God's family has always been bigger than one nation or ethnicity. If you find yourself drawing circles of exclusion around God's grace, this psalm challenges you to widen them. The person you consider an outsider may already be registered in heaven's census.

    A Prayer from Psalm 87

    His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples: 'This one was born there.' All my springs are in you. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 87 devotional →
    Read the full summary of Psalms

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read