Glorious Things are Spoken of You, O City of God – Psalm 87

“A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song.” Psalm 87 intro

“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served and worshipped God. [1]

“His foundation is in the holy mountains.” Psalm 87:1

As the psalmists contemplated the glory of God’s house in Jerusalem, they were overwhelmed by its significance. [2] The house of the Lord is founded on holy mountains. Mountains set apart by God for meeting with Him and hearing from Him. God did not create the world and leave it behind as some have suggested. No, He is active and is calling out to people to meet with Him.

Likewise, the Church has a sure foundation with Christ as her Redeemer. The Son of God is her head and husband. His heavenly Jerusalem includes both Jewish and Gentile believers in Him. In Hebrews 11:10, the patriarch Abraham is described as looking forward to “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” [3]

The foundation of God’s work is set upon the mountains. Mountains symbolize exaltation and stability. It is built high to be seen by many people. It is also built firmly, for mountains are rocky, and upon the Rock of Christ the Church stands. [4]

The world, by contrast, is founded upon the seas. In Psalm 24:1-2, we read, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” The seas ebb and flow. They have weak and unstable foundations. The seas necessitate an embrace of the everlasting Rock, Christ. [5]

In Isaiah 54:10, we read, “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.”

“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Psalm 87:2

The dwellings of Jacob speak of private worship. God delights in families who worship Him in their homes. Worship of God in our homes should never cease. [6]

The gates of Zion speak of congregational worship. God’s people congregate in a set location for worship and instruction. In Psalm 134:14, God had declared concerning Zion, “This is my rest forever. Here will I dwell. For I have desired it.” God met with His people, received their worship, and granted to them His grace at the gates of Zion. [7]

Zion also represents Christ. Christ gave His life for our salvation in Zion (Jerusalem). Jesus is the Way to the Father. He is the door to the sheepfold. In Him we are redeemed unto God.

“Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah!” Psalms 87:3

We should judge persons and institutions not by the opinions of the world, but by the estimate placed upon them in Scripture. The enemies of God’s city spoke many contemptuous things against it in an effort to make it appear insignificant and despised. Yet God, whose judgment is always true, speaks glorious things concerning it. [8]

Of His house, God declared in 2 Chronicles 7:16, “My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually” and “I have sanctified this house, that My Name may be there forever” [9]

In Psalm 48:2, Mount Zion is described as “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.”

Yet even greater things are spoken of the Gospel preaching Church. It is the bride of Christ, purchased by His blood. It is a chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Against it, the gates of hell shall never prevail. [10]

Let us never be ashamed of the Church of Christ even when it appears to be weak and despised. Let us not be ashamed of those who belong to it, nor deny our connection with it because of reproach or opposition. God has spoken such glorious things concerning His Church. [11]

“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” Psalm 87:4

Compared with other nations and places Zion is shown to be far superior. The Church of Christ possesses a glory and excellence that surpasses all the kingdoms of the earth. [12]

The psalmists acknowledge the greatness of other lands, saying, “I will make mention of Rahab” (that is, Egypt) “and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia.” [13]

Among these nations one might find notable individuals—men distinguished by wisdom, virtue, or influence. Some might even have become worshipers of the true God. Every nation could point to a few remarkable people who brought honor to their homeland. [14]

Some understand this verse as a prophecy of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church. In this view, God declares that Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will be counted among those who know Him. Though once strangers to the covenant, they will be received as His people through faith in Christ. [15]

These Gentile believers will be regarded as having been born in Zion—born again by God’s grace and granted the privileges of God’s covenant people. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:19, those who were once strangers and foreigners became fellow citizens with the saints. A converted Gentile will stand on equal footing with a believing Jew. [16]

In Isaiah 19:23–25, God prophesied saying, "Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance."

“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself shall establish her.’” Psalm 87:5

From Zion came prophets, kings, and faithful servants who enjoyed God’s special favor and became blessings to the world. The heroes of faith far surpass the celebrated figures of pagan nations, and their names endure in everlasting honor. [17]

Some understand the phrase, “one was born in her,” as a reference to Christ Himself—the Son of Man, who is fairer than the children of men. Though born in Bethlehem, near Zion, He became the supreme glory of Israel. According to Romans 9:5, the highest honor that was bestowed on the Jewish nation was that Christ came from them according to the flesh. [18]

This passage also points to the spread of the Gospel. The Word of the Lord went forth from Zion, and countless souls were born into God’s family. The Church is the birthplace of men and women distinguished not by worldly achievement, but by the gracious election of God. [19]

The strength and permanence of Zion do not depend upon human effort but upon God’s power. The converts from many nations will not weaken the Church, it will strengthen her. [20]

Since God Himself founded Zion upon an everlasting foundation, she will endure despite the upheavals of kingdoms and nations. Though heaven and earth may be shaken, God’s kingdom remains secure because it rests upon Him who cannot be moved. [21]

“The Lord will record when He registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there.’ Selah!” Psalm 87:6

God keeps a perfect record of His people. When He gathers His subjects and reviews His kingdom, He takes special notice of those who belong to Zion. All who have been born again by His Spirit are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. [22]

“Both the singers and the players on instruments say, ‘All my springs are in You.’” Psalm 86:7

Zion is filled with joyful worship. Singers and players of instruments are there. One of Zion’s greatest honors is that God is worshiped there with gladness and praise. His service is not a burden but a delight. [23]

The psalm concludes with the declaration that “All my springs are in You [Lord].” From the Lord flow the streams that refresh and gladden the city of God. Believers find spiritual nourishment in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and in their love for one another. [24]

The springs of a worldly person’s joy are found in wealth, pleasure, and earthly success. The springs of a believer’s joy are found in God and in the means of grace He has provided. [25]

Christ is the source of every spiritual blessing. All our springs are in Him. From Him flow every stream of grace, comfort, strength, and joy. The Father has been pleased that all fullness should dwell in Christ, and all believers rejoice that it is so. [26]



[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2-26] Some portions of these paragraphs are derived from Matthew Henry’s Commentary