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Commentary on Psalms 87 verses 4–7
Zion is here compared with other places, and preferred before them; the church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. 1. It is owned that other places have their glories (Psa 87:4): "I will make mention of Rahab" (that is, Egypt) "and Babylon, to those that know me and are about me, and with whom I discourse about public affairs; behold Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia" (or rather Arabia), "we will observe that this man was born there; here and there one famous man, eminent for knowledge and virtue, may be produced, that was a native of these countries; here and there one that becomes a proselyte and worshipper of the true God." But some give another sense of it, supposing that it is a prophecy or promise of bringing the Gentiles into the church and of uniting them in one body with the Jews. God says, "I will reckon Egypt and Babylon with those that know me. I will reckon them my people as much as Israel when they shall receive the gospel of Christ, and own them as born in Zion, born again there, and admitted to the privileges of Zion as freely as a true-born Israelite." Those that were strangers and foreigners became fellow-citizens with the saints, Eph 2:19. A Gentile convert shall stand upon a level with a native Jew; compare Isa 19:23-25. The Lord shall say, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance. 2. It is proved that the glory of Zion outshines them all, upon many accounts; for, (1.) Zion shall produce many great and good men that shall be famous in their generation, Psa 87:5. Of Zion it shall be said by all her neighbours that this and that man were born in her, many men of renown for wisdom and piety, and especially for acquaintance with the words of God and the visions of the Almighty - many prophets and kings, who should be greater favourites of heaven, and greater blessings to the earth, than ever were bred in Egypt or Babylon. The worthies of the church far exceed those of heathen nations, and their names will shine brighter than in perpetual records. A man, a man was born in her, by which some understand Christ, that man, that son of man, who is fairer than the children of men; he was born at Bethlehem near Zion, and was the glory of his people Israel. The greatest honour that ever was put upon the Jewish nation was, that of them, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, Rom 9:5. Or this also may be applied to the conversion of the Gentiles. Of Zion it shall be said that the law which went forth out of Zion, the gospel of Christ, shall be an instrument to beget many souls to God, and the Jerusalem that is from above shall be acknowledged the mother of them all. (2.) Zion's interest shall be strengthened and settled by an almighty power. The Highest himself shall undertake to establish her, who can do it effectually; the accession of proselytes out of various nations shall be so far from occasioning discord and division that it shall contribute greatly to Zion's strength; for, God himself having founded her upon an everlasting foundation, whatever convulsions and revolutions there are of states and kingdoms, and however heaven and earth may be shaken, these are things which cannot be shaken, but must remain. (3.) Zion's sons shall be registered with honour (Psa 87:6): "The Lord shall count, when he writes up the people, and takes a catalogue of his subjects, that this man was born there, and so is a subject by birth, by the first birth, being born in his house - by the second birth, being born again of his Spirit." When God comes to reckon with the children of men, that he may render to every man according to his works, he will observe who was born in Zion, and consequently enjoyed the privileges of God's sanctuary, to whom pertained the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the service of God, Rom 9:4; Rom 3:1, Rom 3:2. For to them much was given, and therefore of them much will be required, and the account will be accordingly; five talents must be improved by those that were entrusted with five. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, and where thou was born. Selah. Let those that dwell in Zion mark this, and live up to their profession. (4.) Zion's songs shall be sung with joy and triumph: As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there to praise God, Psa 87:7. It was much to the honour of Zion, and is to the honour of the gospel-church, that there God is served and worshipped with rejoicing: his work is done, and done cheerfully; see Psa 68:25. All my springs are in thee, O Zion! So God says; he has deposited treasures of grace in his holy ordinances; there are the springs from which those streams take rise which make glad the city of our God, Psa 46:4. So the psalmist says, reckoning the springs from which his dry soul must be watered to lie in the sanctuary, in the word and ordinances, and in the communion of saints. The springs of the joy of a carnal worldling lie in wealth and pleasure; but the springs of the joy of a gracious soul lie in the word of God and prayer. Christ is the true temple; all our springs are in him, and from him all our streams flow. It pleased the Father, and all believers are well pleased with it too, that in him should all fulness dwell.
Listen now to a deep mystery. Rahab is there through Him, through whom also is Babylon, now no longer Babylon, but beginning to be Jerusalem. The daughter is divided against her mother, and will be among the members of that queen to whom is said, "Forget your own people, and your father's house, so shall the king have pleasure in your beauty." For how could Babylon aspire to Jerusalem? How could Rahab reach those foundations? How could the Philistines, or Tyre, or the people of the Ethiopians? Listen to this verse, "Sion, my mother, a man shall say." There is then a man who says this: through whom all those I have mentioned make their approach. Who is this man? It tells if we hear, if we understand. It follows, as if a question had been raised, through whose aid Rahab, Babylon, the Philistines, Tyre, and the Morians, gained an entrance. Behold, through whom they come; "Sion, my mother, a man shall say; and a man was born in her, and Himself the Most High has founded her" [Psalm 87:5]. What, my brethren, can be clearer? Truly, because "very excellent things are spoken of you, thou city of God." Lo, "Sion, O mother, a man shall say." What man? "He who was born in her." It is then the man who was born in her, and He Himself has founded her. Yet how can He be born in the city which He Himself founded? It had already been founded, that therein He might be born. Understand it thus, if you can. "Mother Sion, he shall say;" but it is "a man" that "shall say, Mother Sion; yea, a man was born in her:" and yet "he has founded her" (not a man, but), "the Most High." As He created a mother of whom He would be born, so He founded a city in which He would be born. What hope is ours, brethren! On our behalf the Most High, who founded the city, addresses that city as a mother: and "He was born in her, and the Most High has founded her."
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SUMMARY
Psalms 87:5 is a profound prophetic declaration celebrating Zion's unique spiritual significance and divine security. It envisions Zion, God's chosen city, as a spiritual mother from whom individuals, regardless of their earthly origin, find their true birth and belonging. The verse culminates in the powerful assertion that Zion's enduring existence and stability are not founded upon human strength or geopolitical alliances, but are sovereignly established and sustained by the Most High God Himself, ensuring its eternal purpose as a universal spiritual home.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 87 is one of the "Songs of Zion," a genre within the Psalter that extols Jerusalem as God's holy dwelling place, the center of His covenantal presence, and the source of blessing. The psalm begins by declaring God's love for Zion's gates, emphasizing its divine foundation and glorious destiny (Psalms 87:1-3). Immediately preceding verse 5, Psalms 87:4 speaks of God "remembering" or "registering" various nations—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia)—as those who know Him, implying their future inclusion within Zion's spiritual sphere. Verse 5 then shifts from God's recognition of these nations to Zion's own declaration, asserting that these diverse peoples will find their spiritual origin within her. This verse serves as the climax of the psalm's vision, leading into Psalms 87:6, where God Himself records the birthright of these new spiritual citizens, affirming Zion's role as a universal spiritual mother.
Historical & Cultural Context: Historically, Jerusalem, or Zion, was the capital of the kingdom of Judah and the site of the Temple, making it the religious and political heart of Israel. It was a city often besieged and threatened by surrounding empires, highlighting its vulnerability from a human perspective. Culturally, the concept of a "mother city" or "motherland" was prevalent in the ancient Near East, signifying the place of one's birth, identity, and allegiance. However, Psalm 87 transcends this physical understanding, elevating Zion to a spiritual plane where individuals from any nation could claim spiritual birth. This was a radical idea in a world defined by ethnic and national boundaries, foreshadowing a universal community of faith. The psalm's vision would have resonated deeply with a people who understood the physical limitations of their city yet clung to the divine promises of its eternal significance.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions Zion's spiritual motherhood and universal inclusion. The phrase "This and that man was born in her" signifies that Zion is not merely a geographic location but a spiritual entity that gives birth to a diverse family of God, transcending physical lineage or nationality. This theme prefigures the New Testament concept of a spiritual rebirth and citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem, a truth echoed in passages like Galatians 4:26 and Hebrews 12:22-24. Secondly, it underscores the theme of divine establishment and security. The core message of Zion's enduring nature lies in "the highest himself shall establish her." This declares that Zion's stability and permanence are not dependent on human strength, military might, or political alliances, but solely on God's unwavering power and sovereign will. This principle is foundational, reiterating the truth that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 87:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Personification is central, as Zion is depicted as a mother giving birth, transforming a physical city into a spiritual entity capable of nurturing and originating new "citizens." This imbues Zion with a living, active role in God's redemptive plan. The verse also utilizes Prophecy, speaking of what "shall be said" of Zion, pointing to a future fulfillment where its universal spiritual significance will be recognized. There is an element of Hyperbole in "this and that man," which, while idiomatic for "everyone," emphasizes the vast, inclusive scope of Zion's spiritual offspring, transcending all ethnic and national boundaries. Finally, a subtle Contrast is present between the implied fragility of a human-built city and the absolute, unshakeable permanence guaranteed by "the highest himself," highlighting the divine over the human.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 87:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's expansive redemptive plan, revealing a vision far grander than a mere nationalistic aspiration. It prefigures the universal scope of God's kingdom, where salvation is not confined to a single ethnicity or geographical location but extends to all who are "born" into His spiritual family. This verse connects the Old Testament concept of Zion as God's dwelling place with the New Testament reality of the Church as the spiritual body of Christ, the new Jerusalem. It underscores that true identity and security are found not in earthly allegiances but in being divinely established within God's eternal purposes. The inclusion of "this and that man" points to God's unwavering desire to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation, all united under His sovereign establishment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 87:5 offers profound comfort, assurance, and a call to embrace our true identity. Just as ancient Zion was a symbol of God's presence and security, the Church, as the spiritual body of Christ, is also divinely established. We are called to be spiritual citizens of this heavenly Jerusalem, a place of ultimate belonging and security that transcends all earthly divisions. This verse reminds us that our ultimate identity and belonging are not in fleeting earthly nations or transient cultural affiliations, but in God's eternal kingdom. All who are "born again" into faith in Christ become spiritual citizens of this divine city, finding their true origin and purpose within God's family. The Church, built upon the unshakeable foundation laid by "the Highest himself," stands as a beacon of hope and stability in an ever-changing world, echoing the promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ's church. Furthermore, the idea of "this and that man" being born in Zion celebrates the radical inclusion of people from all backgrounds, uniting them under one spiritual parentage in Christ. This fosters a vibrant sense of community, shared heritage, and mission among believers worldwide, urging us to embrace diversity while upholding unity in the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "This and that man was born in her" truly mean, given that Zion is a city?
Answer: This phrase, "This and that man," is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, meaning "a man and a man," signifying individuals of all kinds, from diverse backgrounds, without distinction. When applied to Zion, it means that people from various nations—even those previously considered enemies or outsiders (as implied in Psalms 87:4)—will come to identify Zion as their spiritual birthplace. It's not about physical birth in Jerusalem, but a spiritual or adoptive connection, a profound change in allegiance and identity where they recognize Zion (and by extension, the God of Zion) as the source of their true spiritual life and belonging. This concept foreshadows the universal nature of God's kingdom and the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God through faith.
Is Zion in this psalm primarily a physical place or a spiritual concept?
Answer: While Zion certainly refers to the physical city of Jerusalem, in Psalms 87:5, its meaning transcends mere geography to embrace a profound spiritual and theological concept. It is presented as a spiritual mother, a place of divine origin and establishment for a diverse family of God. The psalm elevates Zion from a national capital to a universal spiritual center, where God's saving work extends to all nations. This spiritual understanding of Zion finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's concept of the Church and the heavenly Jerusalem, as seen in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:2.
How does "the highest himself shall establish her" relate to human efforts to build or protect Zion?
Answer: This powerful declaration emphasizes that Zion's ultimate security and permanence are solely dependent on God's sovereign power, not on human strength, military might, or political strategies. While human efforts might play a role in the physical upkeep or defense of Jerusalem, the psalm asserts that Zion's spiritual significance and enduring existence are divinely guaranteed. It highlights God's personal involvement ("the highest himself") in making Zion firm and secure. This principle resonates with Psalm 127:1, which states that "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." It assures that God's purposes for Zion, and by extension His kingdom, cannot be thwarted by human weakness or opposition.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 87:5 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the Church, His spiritual body. The prophetic vision of "this and that man" being born in Zion, finding spiritual origin and belonging, is realized in Christ's redemptive work, which broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16). Through faith in Christ, individuals from every nation, tribe, and tongue are "born again" not of physical descent or earthly citizenship, but by the Spirit into God's family (John 3:3-8). Christ Himself is the true "Zion," the cornerstone upon whom God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built (Ephesians 2:19-22). Just as "the highest himself shall establish her," so too did God establish His kingdom through Christ's resurrection and ascension, and Christ Himself declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). The universal inclusion envisioned in Psalm 87 is perfectly embodied in the Great Commission, where disciples are made from all nations, becoming spiritual citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). Thus, the spiritual motherhood of Zion culminates in Christ, the head of the Church, who continually brings forth new spiritual life and establishes His people on an unshakeable, eternal foundation.