2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 87
Commentary on Psalms 87 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 87
Ps 87:1-7. This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on Ps 46:1, title]. The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation.
1. His—that is, God's
foundation—or, what He has founded, that is, Zion (Isa 14:32).
is in the holy mountains—the location of Zion, in the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem, being on several hills.
2. gates—for the enclosures, or city to which they opened (Ps 9:14; 122:2; compare Ps 132:13, 14).
3. spoken of thee—or, "in thee," that is, the city of God (Ps 46:4; 48:2).
4. This is what is spoken by God.
to them … me—literally, "for My knowers," they are true worshippers (Ps 36:10; Isa 19:21). These are mentioned as specimens.
this—that is, nation
was born there—Of each it is said, "This was born," or is a native of Zion, spiritually.
5. The writer resumes—
This and that man—literally, "man and man," or many (Ge 14:10; Ex 8:10, 14), or all (Isa 44:5; Ga 3:28).
the highest … her—God is her protector.
6. The same idea is set forth under the figure of a register made by God (compare Isa 4:3).
7. As in a great procession of those thus written up, or registered, seeking Zion (Isa 2:3; Jer 50:5), "the singers" and "players," or pipers, shall precede.
all my springs—So each shall say, "All my sources of spiritual joy are in Thee" (Ps 46:4; 84:6).