Psalms 87:7

KJV

As well the singers as the players on instruments [shall be there]: all my springs [are] in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

As well the singers {H7891}{H8802)} as the players {H2490}{H8802)} on instruments shall be there: all my springs {H4599} are in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Singers and dancers alike say, "For me, you are the source of everything."

Berean Standard Bible

Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.”

American Standard Version

They that sing as well as they that dance shall say, All my fountains are in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 87:7 serves as a profound and climactic declaration within a psalm celebrating Zion, the city of God, as the spiritual birthplace of all nations. This verse masterfully weaves together the imagery of joyous, instrumental worship with the foundational truth that God Himself is the singular, inexhaustible, and ultimate source of all life, refreshment, and spiritual vitality. It culminates the psalm's vision of universal inclusion and celebration in God's presence, asserting that every believer finds their deepest satisfaction, purpose, and very existence rooted entirely and exclusively in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 87 is a "Song of Zion," a unique composition that elevates Jerusalem (Zion) beyond a mere geographical location to a theological symbol of God's chosen dwelling and the spiritual mother of all peoples. The preceding verses, particularly [Psalms 87:4-6](/psalms/87-4-6 "Psalm 87:4-6 - Nations Born in Zion"), present a revolutionary vision: nations previously considered outside the covenant, such as Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia), are astonishingly declared as "born" in Zion. This radical inclusion, transcending ethnic and national boundaries, sets the stage for the climactic declaration of verse 7. The psalm progresses from God's foundational establishment of Zion ([Psalms 87:1-3](/psalms/87-1-3 "Psalm 87:1-3 - God's Foundation in Zion")) to its universal spiritual impact, culminating in the joyous worship and the profound acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of life for all who are spiritually "born" within its symbolic embrace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jerusalem, often synonymous with Zion, was not merely a city but the divinely chosen spiritual and political heart of Israel, where God established His Temple and manifested His presence ([2 Chronicles 6:6](/2-chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Choice of Jerusalem")). In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, springs were indispensable for survival, symbolizing life, sustenance, and blessing. The imagery of "springs" would have resonated deeply with the original audience, representing the life-giving presence and provision of God. Furthermore, music and instrumental praise were integral and vibrant components of Israelite worship, especially within the Temple liturgy, as extensively documented in the Psalms and historical accounts ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1-chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David Organizes Temple Musicians")). Thus, the verse evokes a scene of dynamic, divinely inspired celebration within the sacred space of God's dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Source of All Life and Joy**. The declaration "all my springs are in thee" powerfully asserts that God is the exclusive, complete, and inexhaustible origin of all true refreshment, vitality, joy, and satisfaction. This echoes the consistent biblical truth that God is the [fountain of living waters](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - God as the Fountain of Living Waters"), standing in stark contrast to the futility of seeking fulfillment elsewhere. Secondly, it highlights **Universal Worship and Celebration**. The mention of "singers" and "players on instruments" paints a vivid picture of exuberant, communal praise, indicating that musical expression is a natural and essential response to the blessings found in God's presence. This aligns with the broader biblical call to praise God with all forms of music and artistry ([Psalms 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise with Instruments")). Lastly, it subtly reinforces **Zion's Enduring Significance** as the symbolic locus where God's presence makes these "springs" accessible. While "thee" primarily refers to God, the immediate context of Zion implies that it is through God's dwelling in His chosen city (symbolizing His accessible grace and spiritual authority) that believers find their ultimate source of life and joy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Singers (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** Derived from H7891, a primitive root meaning "to sing." This word encapsulates the act of vocal praise and musical expression. In the context of ancient Israelite worship, singers, often Levites, played a crucial role in leading communal worship, giving voice to the congregation's adoration, lament, and thanksgiving. The presence of singers in this verse signifies a vibrant, active, and joyful participation in worship, where the human voice is offered in praise to God.
* **Players on instruments (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, a primitive root that, among its various meanings, includes "to play (the flute)" or "player on instruments." While the root has broader connotations, in this context, it specifically refers to those who produce music using instruments, likely wind instruments like flutes or pipes, which were common in ancient Near Eastern celebrations and religious ceremonies. Their inclusion alongside singers emphasizes the comprehensive nature of musical worship, where both vocal and instrumental expressions are united in glorifying God.
* **Springs (Hebrew, _maʻyân'_):** From H4599, meaning "a fountain (also collectively)" or "a spring." Figuratively, it denotes a source of satisfaction, life, or blessing. In the KJV text, the word is plural ("springs"), emphasizing the abundance and multiplicity of life-giving provisions. In an arid land where water was synonymous with life, "springs" powerfully symbolize the inexhaustible source of all vitality, refreshment, joy, and spiritual sustenance. To declare "all my springs are in thee" is to affirm that every aspect of one's being, every need, and every true satisfaction originates solely and completely from God, making Him the singular, ultimate, and unfailing wellspring of existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As well the singers as the players on instruments [shall be there]:"** This clause vividly portrays a scene of exuberant, communal worship. "Singers" and "players on instruments" represent the full spectrum of musical and expressive praise within the Temple or in Zion. The implied "shall be there" refers to Zion, the city of God, where these diverse worshippers, now spiritually "born" into God's kingdom, gather in joyful celebration. It underscores the inclusive and celebratory nature of God's presence, where all are invited to actively participate in glorifying Him through their artistic and spiritual gifts. This is not merely a passive presence but an active, joyful outpouring of praise.
* **"all my springs [are] in thee."** This is the climactic and deeply personal declaration of the verse. The possessive "my springs" indicates a profound, personal relationship and absolute reliance. The "thee" refers directly and exclusively to God, the ultimate subject of the psalm's praise, even within the celebratory context of Zion. This phrase is a powerful theological statement: every source of life, every drop of spiritual refreshment, every moment of true joy, every answer to deep longing, and every aspect of one's well-being—all originate from God alone. It signifies a complete and utter dependence on God for all that truly sustains and satisfies, contrasting sharply with any attempt to find fulfillment in worldly or human sources.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 87:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "springs" are used to represent the ultimate source of life, joy, and spiritual sustenance. This metaphor is particularly potent in an arid Middle Eastern context, making the imagery of God as the ultimate "spring" deeply resonant and tangible. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a sensory picture of joyous musical worship ("singers" and "players on instruments") combined with the abstract concept of life-giving water, creating a holistic scene of spiritual vitality and divine provision. Furthermore, the phrase "singers as the players on instruments" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two complementary parts are used to represent the whole of musical praise, emphasizing the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of worship offered to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 87:7 profoundly articulates God's self-sufficiency and His role as the ultimate, sole, and inexhaustible source of all life, blessing, and true satisfaction. It seamlessly connects the psalm's vision of the universal spiritual birthright of believers in Zion with the deeply personal experience of finding complete sustenance in God alone. This declaration resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God as the giver of living water, satisfying the deepest thirsts of the human soul. It underscores that authentic worship flows from a recognition of God's boundless and inexhaustible provision and His centrality in the lives of His people, whether experienced individually or corporately within the community of faith.

* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - God as the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - God as the Source of the Water of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 87:7 challenges believers to critically examine the true source of their satisfaction, joy, and spiritual vitality. In a world that relentlessly offers fleeting pleasures, temporary fixes, and superficial sources of fulfillment, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to God as the one true, inexhaustible wellspring. For those spiritually "born" in Zion—that is, those brought into God's kingdom through faith in Christ—it serves as a profound reminder to continually draw from Him through prayer, diligent engagement with His Word, heartfelt worship, and genuine communion with His people. When we truly acknowledge and live as though "all our springs are in Him," our lives become profoundly centered on His divine presence, leading to an authentic and lasting joy, peace, and spiritual vitality that the world cannot provide or take away. This verse inspires a life of profound gratitude, active worship, and unwavering dependence, recognizing that every good and perfect gift, every drop of true refreshment, flows from His boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my refreshment, joy, and satisfaction in life, and how does this align with the truth that "all my springs are in thee"?**
* **In what practical ways do I actively draw from God as my "springs" on a daily basis, and how can I deepen this practice?**
* **How does the idea of universal worship and spiritual birth in God's presence impact my understanding of the Church's mission and diversity today?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God as the ultimate source of all good things in my life?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" in "all my springs are in thee"?**

Answer: While the immediate literary context of Psalm 87 celebrates Zion, the "thee" in "all my springs are in thee" refers ultimately and primarily to God Himself. The psalm exalts Zion as God's chosen city and dwelling place, but it is God's presence *in* Zion that makes it the symbolic source of spiritual life and blessing. The psalmist is declaring a personal, absolute, and exclusive dependence on God as the fount of all true life, satisfaction, and sustenance. This theme is consistent throughout the Psalms, where God is repeatedly praised as the ultimate provider and sustainer ([Psalms 36:9](/psalms/36-9 "Psalm 36:9 - With You is the Fountain of Life")).

**What does the imagery of "springs" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The imagery of "springs" (מַעְיָנִים, _maʻyânim_) is highly significant, especially in the arid ancient Near East where reliable water sources were crucial for survival. It metaphorically represents the source of all life, vitality, refreshment, sustenance, and blessing. To say "all my springs are in thee" means that every aspect of one's well-being—physical, emotional, and spiritual—every source of joy, every moment of true satisfaction, and every answer to deep longing originates solely and completely from God. It emphasizes God's role as the inexhaustible provider of everything truly essential for life and flourishing, echoing promises like [Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - God Will Guide You and Satisfy Your Soul") where God promises to satisfy the soul and make one like a well-watered garden.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 87:7 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm celebrates Zion as the spiritual birthplace and the place where God's life-giving "springs" are found, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the true and ultimate "spring" of living water. He declared, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus Cries Out, 'Let Anyone Who Thirsts Come to Me'")), and to the Samaritan woman, He offered water that would become "a spring of water welling up to eternal life" within her ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The universal inclusion envisioned in [Psalms 87:4-6](/psalms/87-4-6 "Psalm 87:4-6 - Nations Born in Zion")—where people from all nations are "born" in Zion—is profoundly realized in Christ's Church, His body, which is the new spiritual Zion where believers from every tribe and tongue are united as fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The joyous worship of "singers and players on instruments" points forward to the eternal praise offered to the Lamb of God by a great multitude from every nation, standing before the throne ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude Worshipping God and the Lamb")), whose ultimate source of life, comfort, and sustenance is God Himself, who will lead them to "springs of living water" ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Guide Them to Springs of Living Water")). Thus, in Christ, all our springs—every source of life, joy, and eternal satisfaction—are truly and eternally found, for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who gives freely from the spring of the water of life ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - God as the Source of the Water of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Revelation 22:1

¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.