Psalms 87:4

¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there.

I will make mention {H2142}{H8686)} of Rahab {H7294} and Babylon {H894} to them that know {H3045}{H8802)} me: behold Philistia {H6429}, and Tyre {H6865}, with Ethiopia {H3568}; this man was born {H3205}{H8795)} there.

I count Rahav and Bavel among those who know me; Of P'leshet, Tzor and Ethiopia [they will say], "This one was born there."

“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me— along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush— when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon as among them that know me: Behold, Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: This one was born there.

Psalm 87:4 is a striking verse within a psalm celebrating Zion (Jerusalem) as the city of God. It lists nations typically seen as outside the covenant or even hostile to Israel, declaring that people from these places are considered 'born' in Zion.

Context

Psalm 87 is a song of Zion, exalting Jerusalem as the beloved dwelling place of God. The preceding verses praise the city's foundations and God's love for its gates. Verse 4 shifts focus dramatically, listing foreign nations and presenting an astonishing vision: people from these lands are counted among Zion's citizens. This psalm looks forward to a time when God's blessing extends universally, centered in His holy city.

Key Themes

  • Zion as a Spiritual Birthplace: The central theme is that people from diverse and distant nations are registered as natives of Zion, implying a spiritual rather than physical birthright conferred by God.
  • Inclusion of the Nations: This verse powerfully anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people, a theme more fully revealed in the New Testament. God's redemptive plan is for all who come to Him, regardless of their origin.
  • God's Universal Sovereignty: By listing prominent nations of the ancient world (some historically adversaries of Israel), the psalm underscores God's ultimate authority over all peoples and His capacity to bring them into His fold.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Rahab" (רָהַב) in this verse is not referring to the harlot from Joshua but is a symbolic, poetic name for Egypt, often depicting its pride or power. The word translated "[man]" is supplied in the KJV; the Hebrew could be rendered "this one" or "this person," highlighting the individual nature of being counted among Zion's inhabitants.

Related Scriptures

This prophetic vision of diverse nations finding their home in God's city finds a powerful echo in the New Testament understanding of the church as the spiritual fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God. The idea that distinctions like nationality or background are overcome in Christ is a core message, as seen in passages like Galatians 3:28, which declares that there is neither Jew nor Gentile.

Reflection

Psalm 87:4 challenges narrow views of God's community. It reveals a divine perspective where people from all corners of the earth can find their true home and identity in God's presence, symbolized by Zion. For believers today, it is a reminder of the global scope of the gospel and the call to welcome all into the spiritual family of God, recognizing that our ultimate citizenship is heavenly.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 45:12

    And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

  • Isaiah 19:23

    In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

  • Isaiah 19:25

    Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

  • Psalms 68:31

    Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

  • Job 9:13

    [If] God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

  • Psalms 89:10

    Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

  • Isaiah 23:1

    ¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

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