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Commentary on Psalms 87 verses 1–3
Some make the first words of the psalm to be part of the title; it is a psalm or song whose subject is the holy mountains - the temple built in Zion upon Mount Moriah. This is the foundation of the argument, or beginning of the psalm. Or we may suppose the psalmist had now the tabernacle or temple in view and was contemplating the glories of it, and at length he breaks out into this expression, which has reference, though not to what he had written before, yet to what he had thought of; every one knew what he meant when he said thus abruptly, Its foundation is in the holy mountains. Three things are here observed, in praise of the temple: - 1. That it was founded on the holy mountains, Psa 87:1. The church has a foundation, so that it cannot sink or totter; Christ himself is the foundation of it, which God has laid. The Jerusalem above is a city that has foundations. The foundation is upon the mountains. It is built high; the mountain of the Lord's house is established upon the top of the mountains, Isa 2:2. It is built firmly; the mountains are rocky, and on a rock the church is built. The world is founded upon the seas (Psa 24:2), which are continually ebbing and flowing, and are a very weak foundation; Babel was built in a plain, where the ground was rotten. But the church is built upon the everlasting mountains and the perpetual hills; for sooner shall the mountains depart, and the hills be removed, than the covenant of God's peace shall be disannulled, and on that the church is built, Isa 54:10. The foundation is upon the holy mountains. Holiness is the strength and stability of the church: it is this that will support it and keep it from sinking; not so much that it is built upon mountains as that it is built upon holy mountains - upon the promise of God, for the confirming of which he has sworn by his holiness, upon the sanctification of the Spirit, which will secure the happiness of all the saints. 2. That God had expressed a particular affection for it (Psa 87:2): The Lord loveth the gates of Zion, of the temple, of the houses of doctrine (so the Chaldee), more than all the dwellings of Jacob, whether in Jerusalem or any where else in the country. God had said concerning Zion, This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell. There he met his people, and conversed with them, received their homage, and showed them the tokens of his favour, and therefore we may conclude how well he loves those gates. Note, (1.) God has a love for the dwellings of Jacob, has a gracious regard to religious families and accepts their family-worship. (2.) Yet he loves the gates of Zion better, not only better than any, but better than all, of the dwellings of Jacob. God was worshipped in the dwellings of Jacob, and family-worship is family-duty, which must by no means be neglected; yet, when they come in competition, public worship (caeteris paribus - other things being equal) is to be preferred before private. 3. That there was much said concerning it in the word of God (Psa 87:3): Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God! We are to judge of things and persons by the figure they make and the estimate put upon them in and by the scripture. Many base things were spoken of the city of God by the enemies of it, to render it mean and odious; but by him whose judgment we are sure is according to truth glorious things are spoken of it. God said of the temple, My eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually; I have sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever, Ch2 7:16. Beautiful for situation is Mount Zion, Psa 48:2. These are glorious things. Yet more glorious things are spoken of the gospel-church. It is the spouse of Christ, the purchase of his blood; it is a peculiar people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Let us not be ashamed of the church of Christ in its meanest condition, nor of any that belong to it, nor disown our relation to it, though it be turned ever so much to our reproach, since such glorious things are spoken of it, and not on iota or tittle of what is said shall fall to the ground.
"The Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob" [Psalm 87:2]. I have made the foregoing remarks, that you may not imagine the gates are one thing, the foundations another. Why are the Apostles and Prophets foundations? Because their authority is the support of our weakness. Why are they gates? Because through them we enter the kingdom of God: for they proclaim it to us: and while we enter by their means, we enter also through Christ, Himself being the Gate. And twelve gates of Jerusalem are spoken of, [Revelation 21:12] and the one gate is Christ, and the twelve gates are Christ for Christ dwells in the twelve gates, hence was twelve the number of the Apostles. There is a deep mystery in this number of twelve: "You shall sit," says our Saviour, "on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." [Matthew 19:28] If there are twelve thrones there, there will be no room for the judgment-seat of Paul, the thirteenth Apostle, though he says that he shall judge not men only, but even Angels; which, but the fallen Angels? "Do you not know, that we shall judge Angels," [1 Corinthians 6:3] he writes. The world would answer, Why do you boast that you shall be a judge? Where will be your throne? Our Lord spoke of twelve thrones for the twelve Apostles: one, Judas, fell, and his place being supplied by Matthias, the number of twelve thrones was made up: [Acts 1:15-26] first, then, discover room for your judgment-seat; then threaten that you will judge. Let us, therefore, reflect upon the meaning of the twelve thrones. The expression is typical of a sort of universality, as the Church was destined to prevail throughout the whole world: whence this edifice is styled a building together into Christ: and because judges come from all quarters, the twelve thrones are spoken of, just as the twelve gates, from the entering in from all sides into that city. Not only therefore have those twelve, and the Apostle Paul, a claim to the twelve thrones, but, from the universal signification, all who are to sit in judgment: in the same manner as all who enter the city, enter by one or the other of the twelve gates. There are four quarters of the globe: East, West, North, and South: and they are constantly alluded to in the Scriptures. From all those four winds; our Lord declares in the Gospel that He will call his sheep "from the four winds;" [Mark 13:27] therefore from all those four winds is the Church called. And how called? On every side it is called in the Trinity: no otherwise is it called than by Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: four then being thrice taken, twelve are found. Knock, therefore, with all your hearts at these gates: and let Christ cry within you: "Open me the gates of righteousness." For He went before us the Head: He follows Himself in His Body....
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SUMMARY
Psalms 87:2 profoundly declares God's unique and deep affection for Zion, stating, "The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." This verse establishes Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem and particularly the Temple Mount, as a place of unparalleled significance in God's heart and redemptive purpose. It underscores God's sovereign choice of this specific location as His dwelling place, distinguishing it from all other settlements of Israel and foreshadowing its future role as a spiritual center from which His truth and salvation would emanate to all nations.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Hyperbole or Emphasis is clearly evident in the phrase "more than all the dwellings of Jacob," which dramatically underscores Zion's unparalleled significance in God's eyes, elevating it above every other place inhabited by His chosen people. This emphasizes the unique status God has bestowed upon Zion. Metonymy is present in "the gates of Zion," where "gates" stand for the entire city, encompassing its inhabitants, its administration, its strength, and its very essence. This allows for a concise yet comprehensive reference to the beloved city. Furthermore, the verse uses powerful Contrast by juxtaposing "the gates of Zion" with "all the dwellings of Jacob," thereby highlighting Zion's unique, chosen status through direct comparison. Finally, the concept of God "loving" a city can be seen as a subtle form of Personification, imbuing Zion with a quality that can be the object of divine affection, emphasizing its special, living relationship with God and its role in His redemptive purposes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's particular election and affection for Zion, a theme that reverberates throughout biblical theology. It underscores the concept of a chosen place, mirroring the chosen people, through which God would manifest His presence and enact His redemptive purposes. Zion, as the seat of the Temple and the Davidic monarchy, became the earthly embodiment of God's kingdom, a beacon of hope and a source of divine revelation. This divine preference for Zion is not exclusive but preeminent, serving as the focal point for God's universal plan of salvation, ultimately pointing beyond its physical boundaries to a spiritual reality where God's presence would be accessible to all who believe.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 87:2, while rooted in the historical and geographical reality of ancient Jerusalem, offers timeless principles for believers today. God's profound love for Zion, His chosen dwelling place, beautifully illustrates His deep affection for His people and the community He establishes. For us, the spiritual "Zion" is the Church—the body of Christ, His redeemed people, in whom He now dwells by His Spirit. Just as God cherished Zion, He cherishes His Church, having purchased it with the blood of His Son. This verse calls us to value the spiritual community we belong to, to cherish God's presence among us, and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church. It reminds us that our spiritual heritage is rooted in God's sovereign love and choice, empowering us to live as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, from which God's truth and salvation continue to flow to the world, inviting others into this beloved community.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "gates" in ancient Israelite cities?
Answer: In ancient Israel, city gates were far more than mere points of entry or exit. They served as the central hub of public life. This was where legal proceedings and judicial decisions took place, as seen in Ruth 4:1-2, where Boaz conducts business at the gate. They were also centers for commerce and trade, public announcements, and social gatherings. Elders and leaders would often sit at the gates to discuss matters of importance and administer justice, as highlighted in Proverbs 31:23. Therefore, "the gates of Zion" symbolically represent the entire city's strength, authority, governance, and the totality of its public life and spiritual essence.
How does God's love for Zion relate to His love for all Israel?
Answer: God's love for Zion, as expressed in Psalms 87:2, does not diminish or negate His love for all the "dwellings of Jacob" (i.e., the rest of Israel). Rather, it signifies a unique, preeminent, and particular love for Zion as His chosen dwelling place and the focal point of His redemptive plan. Zion was the location of His Temple, the place where His glory resided and from which His covenant blessings would flow to all His people and, ultimately, to the nations. It's a love that prioritizes a specific location for a specific redemptive purpose, which ultimately benefits all of Israel and the world. It's akin to a parent having a special affection for the family home, which serves as the heart of the family, without loving their other children any less.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Zion, beloved by the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God's love for the physical city of Jerusalem was profound, it ultimately pointed to a greater reality: God's desire to dwell among His people. This desire is perfectly realized in the incarnation of Jesus, who is the true and ultimate Temple, the very presence of God "tabernacling" among humanity (John 1:14). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). Furthermore, the spiritual "gates of Zion" are now open to all who come to Christ, for He is the "gate" through whom salvation is found (John 10:9). The New Testament portrays the Church as the spiritual "Zion," the "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem," where believers have come to Mount Zion through Christ (Hebrews 12:22-24). Thus, God's profound love for Zion culminates in His eternal love for His Church, the bride of Christ, which He "loved and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). In Christ, the promise of God's dwelling among His people is fully realized, and the spiritual blessings once associated with earthly Zion are now universally accessible through Him.