Psalms 87:6

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

The LORD {H3068} shall count {H5608}{H8799)}, when he writeth up {H3789}{H8800)} the people {H5971}, that this man was born {H3205}{H8795)} there. Selah {H5542}.

When he registers the peoples, ADONAI will record, "This one was born there."(Selah)

The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: β€œThis one was born in Zion.” Selah

Jehovah will count, when he writeth up the peoples, This one was born there. [Selah

Commentary

Psalms 87:6 presents a profound declaration about God's meticulous care for His people and the spiritual significance of Zion. It speaks of a divine census, where the LORD Himself records individuals, noting their spiritual birthplace as Zion, the city of God.

Context

Psalm 87 is a hymn celebrating Zion, the holy mountain, as the beloved city where God's foundation is laid (Psalms 87:1). The preceding verses speak of various nations being associated with Zion, even being "born" there, implying a spiritual adoption or recognition. This verse, 87:6, serves as the divine validation and formal record of this spiritual citizenship, emphasizing God's personal involvement in counting and acknowledging each individual.

Key Themes

  • Divine Recognition and Record-Keeping: The verse highlights God's active role in knowing and registering His people. It's not a passive observation but a deliberate act of "counting" and "writing up" individuals, underscoring His sovereignty and personal relationship with believers.
  • Spiritual Birthright in Zion: The phrase "this man was born there" transcends physical origin. It points 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.
  • Universal Inclusion: While Zion was the physical capital of Israel, the psalm's broader context (mentioning Rahab/Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia in Psalms 87:4) suggests an inclusive vision. 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 (Ephesians 2:19).

Linguistic Insights

  • "The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people": The Hebrew word for "writeth up" (kāṯaαΈ‡) means to write, inscribe, or register. This paints a picture of God maintaining a detailed register, a divine census, where names are permanently recorded. This concept is echoed in the "book of life" found elsewhere in scripture.
  • "Selah": This common liturgical or musical notation in the Psalms typically indicates a pause for reflection or contemplation. Here, it invites the reader to ponder the profound truth of God's personal knowledge and record-keeping of His spiritual citizens.

Cross-References & Significance

This verse resonates with the biblical concept of the Book of Life, where the names of the redeemed are recorded (e.g., Revelation 20:12, Revelation 21:27). It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on spiritual rebirth, where believers are "born again" into God's family, becoming citizens of a heavenly kingdom, not just an earthly one. The vision of nations streaming to Zion in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:2-4) finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, where believers from every tribe and tongue are united in Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 87:6 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our salvation and identity are not based on earthly lineage or nationality, but on a divine act of grace whereby God recognizes us as His own. We are not forgotten; our names are known and recorded by the Lord. This verse encourages us to live as true citizens of God's kingdom, reflecting His values and extending His invitation to others to also be "born there" through faith in Jesus Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 4:3 (8 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that he that is] left in Zion, and [he that] remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, [even] every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:

  • Luke 10:20 (6 votes)

    Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

  • Ezekiel 13:9 (5 votes)

    And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

  • Revelation 20:15 (5 votes)

    And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

  • Philippians 4:3 (4 votes)

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

  • Psalms 69:28 (4 votes)

    Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

  • Jeremiah 3:19 (3 votes)

    But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.