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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.
As though it were said, How do ye know this? All of us have sung these Psalms: and Christ, Man for our sake, God before us, sings within us all. But is this much to say, "before us," of Him who was before heaven and earth and time? He then, born for our sakes a man, in that city, also founded her when He was the Most High. Yet how are we assured of this? "The Lord shall rehearse it when He writes up the people" [Psalm 87:6], as the following verse has it. "The Lord shall declare, when He writes up the people, and their princes." What princes? "Those who were born in her;" those princes who, born within her walls, became therein princes: for before they could become princes in her, God chose the despised things of the world to confound the strong. Was the fisherman, the publican, a prince? They were indeed princes: but because they became such in her. Princes of what kind were they? Princes come from Babylon, believing monarchs of this world, came to the city of Rome, as to the head of Babylon: they went not to the temple of the Emperor, but to the tomb of the Fisherman. Whence indeed did they rank as princes? "God chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong, and the foolish things He has chosen, and things which are not as though they were, that things which are may be brought to nought." [1 Corinthians 1:26-27] This He does who "from the ground raises the helpless, and from the dunghill exalts the poor." For what purpose? "That He may set him with the princes, even with the princes of His people." This is a mighty deed, a deep source of pleasure and exultation. Orators came later into that city, but they could never have done so, had not fishermen preceded them. These things are glorious indeed, but where could they take place, but in that city of God, of whom very excellent things are spoken?
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SUMMARY
Psalms 87:6 presents a profound vision of God's meticulous and personal accounting of His people, particularly those who find their spiritual origin and identity in Zion, the city of God. It depicts a divine census where the LORD Himself actively records individuals, acknowledging their spiritual birthright within His holy dwelling. This verse underscores God's sovereign knowledge and intimate care for each person who belongs to Him, transcending earthly lineage or nationality to establish a heavenly citizenship and an enduring place in His divine register.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 87 is a unique "Song of Zion," a hymn celebrating Jerusalem as God's chosen city and the spiritual mother of all nations. The psalm opens by establishing Zion's divine foundation and glorious destiny, declaring God's deep affection for its gates above all other dwellings of Jacob, as seen in Psalms 87:1-2. Verses 3-5 speak of "glorious things" declared about Zion and then remarkably list various nations—Rahab (a poetic name for Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia)—as those who will be associated with Zion, even to the astonishing point of being declared "born there." This radical inclusion sets the stage for verse 6, where the LORD Himself steps in to validate and formally record this spiritual inclusion. The verse serves as the divine ratification of Zion's universal spiritual motherhood, emphasizing God's personal involvement in acknowledging each individual who finds their spiritual home and identity in Him.
Historical & Cultural Context: Historically, Zion referred to the fortified hill in Jerusalem, which became synonymous with the city itself, especially after King David established it as his capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, making it the center of Israel's worship and national identity. The concept of a "census" was familiar in the ancient Near East, often conducted for military conscription, taxation, or establishing national identity, as exemplified by the census in Numbers 1. Culturally, one's birthplace determined identity, rights, and tribal affiliation. However, Psalm 87:6 radically redefines "birthplace" and "census" spiritually. It asserts that spiritual birth in Zion, not physical origin, is what truly matters in God's divine register. This challenged the ethnocentric views prevalent in ancient Israel, hinting at a broader, more inclusive community of faith that transcends traditional ethnic and national boundaries.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Recognition and Record-Keeping, portraying God as actively engaged in knowing and registering His people. This is not a passive observation but a deliberate act of "counting" and "writing up" individuals, underscoring His sovereignty and personal relationship with believers, a theme echoed in the biblical concept of the Book of Life. Secondly, the theme of Spiritual Birthright in Zion is central. The phrase "this man was born there" transcends physical origin, pointing to a spiritual identification with Zion, God's dwelling place, signifying a new citizenship and belonging within His kingdom. It suggests that through faith, individuals from all nations can be considered "born" in Zion, becoming part of God's family. Finally, the psalm's broader context, mentioning diverse nations like Rahab/Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia in Psalms 87:4, emphasizes Universal Inclusion. God's register includes not just physical Israelites but all who spiritually align with Him, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, as seen in the New Testament concept of the church as the new Israel and believers as fellow citizens with the saints.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 87:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Personification, as God is depicted with human-like actions of "counting" and "writing up" a register. This anthropomorphism makes the divine act of recognition relatable and emphasizes God's active, personal engagement with humanity. There is also significant Symbolism, with "Zion" representing not just a physical city but the spiritual dwelling place of God, His kingdom, and eventually the universal community of believers. The phrase "born there" functions as a powerful Metaphor for spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family, transcending literal physical birth. This metaphorical language highlights a radical redefinition of identity based on divine grace rather than earthly lineage. The entire psalm, culminating in this verse, uses Poetic Language to evoke a sense of wonder and awe at God's inclusive plan for humanity, drawing diverse nations into His fold through spiritual affiliation with Zion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign grace and His expansive plan for humanity's redemption. It profoundly prefigures the New Testament concept of spiritual rebirth and the universal nature of God's kingdom. The divine act of "counting" and "writing up" individuals whose spiritual birthplace is Zion points directly to God's meticulous knowledge of His elect and the eternal security of their salvation. It underscores that true identity and belonging are found not in earthly heritage but in a divine act of adoption into God's family. This inclusion, originally hinted at for various nations in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, where believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are united in Christ as citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The "book" God keeps is a theme woven throughout scripture, signifying divine remembrance, judgment, and ultimately, salvation for those whose names are inscribed therein.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 87:6 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a clear call to live out our identity. It reminds us that our salvation and belonging are not based on our earthly lineage, nationality, or accomplishments, but on a divine act of grace whereby God Himself recognizes and records us as His own. We are not forgotten; our names are known and eternally recorded by the Lord in His heavenly register. This truth should inspire deep gratitude and unshakeable confidence, knowing that our citizenship is not of this world, but of God's eternal kingdom. It calls us to live as true citizens of that kingdom, reflecting its values of love, justice, and mercy, and to actively participate in God's ongoing mission to invite others to also be "born there" through faith in Jesus Christ, thereby expanding the number of those whose names are written in the divine record.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "Selah" in this verse?
Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms, believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. While its precise meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In Psalms 87:6, "Selah" serves as a powerful cue for the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply ponder the profound truth just declared: that the LORD Himself meticulously counts and records each individual who is spiritually "born in Zion." It emphasizes the weight, solemnity, and eternal significance of God's personal knowledge and divine registration of His people, inviting a moment of quiet awe and worship.
How does "born there" apply to people today, since Zion is a physical location?
Answer: While Zion was a physical location (Jerusalem), in Psalm 87, it takes on a profound spiritual and theological meaning, symbolizing God's dwelling place, His kingdom, and the community of His people. For believers today, "born there" signifies a spiritual birth, a new creation, or adoption into God's family through faith. It echoes the New Testament concept of being "born again" as described by Jesus in John 3:3 and becoming a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, rather than an earthly one, as articulated in Philippians 3:20. It means that our true identity and belonging are found in Christ and His church, which is the spiritual Zion, the dwelling place of God's Spirit, regardless of our physical birthplace or nationality.
Does this verse imply a literal "book of life" where names are written?
Answer: The concept of God "writing up the people" strongly resonates with the biblical idea of a "book of life" or "book of remembrance" found in various scriptures. While we shouldn't imagine God literally sitting with a quill and parchment, the imagery conveys a profound spiritual reality: God's perfect and eternal knowledge of those who belong to Him. It signifies a divine, permanent record of the redeemed, those who are citizens of His kingdom. This "book" is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, often in contexts of salvation, judgment, and eternal destiny, such as when the books are opened at judgment in Revelation 20:12 or when only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life enter the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:27. Thus, the verse points to a spiritual truth of divine recognition and eternal security.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 87:6 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His church. While the Old Testament Zion was a physical city, it was always a foreshadowing of God's true dwelling place and the spiritual center of His redemptive plan. In the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the true "foundation" upon which God's spiritual house is built, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 3:11. The "spiritual birth" spoken of in Psalms 87:6 is fully realized in the New Testament concept of being "born again" through faith in Jesus, as Jesus Himself explains in John 3:5. It is through Christ that individuals from every nation, tribe, people, and language are grafted into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," as declared in Ephesians 2:19. The divine census, where God "writes up" those born in Zion, is perfectly fulfilled in the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of those redeemed by Christ's blood are eternally recorded, as seen in Revelation 21:27. Thus, Christ is the new and eternal Zion, the spiritual birthplace for all who believe, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" in Galatians 3:28.