What happens in Psalms 87?
This psalm begins by declaring that God has founded His city on the holy mountains and especially loves its gates. Zion is praised as a glorious city with a special place in God's purposes. The middle verses describe a surprising gathering of nations such as Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush, with people from these places recorded as born in Zion. The psalm ends with a picture of joyful worship, where singers and musicians proclaim that all their springs of joy are found in God.
Psalm 87 is a Korahite psalm and part of the Psalms that celebrate Zion and God's people. It stands in the book's worship section, where Jerusalem is shown not only as Israel's city but as a place tied to God's rule and gathering work among the nations.
Themes to notice
- God's chosen cityZion is presented as the city God founded and specially loves.
- People from many nationsThe psalm looks beyond Israel and includes outsiders among those counted as belonging to God.
- Joy in God's presenceTrue joy is pictured as flowing from God himself and from worshiping him.
Questions for Psalms 87
- What does this psalm teach about why Zion is important to God?
- How does the mention of different nations shape the message of the chapter?
- What might it mean to say that all our springs of joy are in the Lord?
Read the full text of Psalms 87 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.