Psalm 87
A Psalm of The Sons of Korah in Celebration of God’s Holy City
The Sons of Korah, also sometimes called the Korahites, are credited with writing 11 Psalms for the Psalter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were a group of Levites assigned by God to be gatekeepers in His Tabernacle, and to lead the chorus in worshiping God through song.
Korah himself is first made mention of in Numbers 16, where he leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority in the wilderness. By challenging Moses and Aaron's authority, he was ultimately challenging God's authority, so God put the rebellion to a violent end, causing the earth to open and swallow Korah and the rebels up. Yet as we learn in Numbers 26:11, Korah's sons did not join their father in his rebellion, and so were spared by God. Despite their father's rebellion, God still had a plan for Korah's sons to serve Him in great ways. - Psalms.org
Psalm 87 is among the psalms often called Psalms of Zion: Psalms that describe the importance and the glory of Jerusalem, the city of God. And while the psalms of Zion encourage us to look back and remember the historic city of Jerusalem – the city where God dwelt among His people – there’s often more to these psalms than a song of praise for a formerly significant city. - Matthew Breeden
This psalm represents a change in tone from most of the other psalms in Book 3 which was likely compiled for use in the exile. Perhaps the psalm is placed here as a reminder of what was lost and what may be restored if the exiles do not lose hope. - Matt Stafford
This psalm looks forward to the gathering of people of all nations into Zion, the city of God. It is a picture of God’s gracious act in welcoming all who want to be his people, regardless of their nationality. - Don Fleming
City of God
Vs. 1- The city he founded is on the holy mountains.
Vs. 3 - Glorious things are said about you, city of God.
The city of Jerusalem was, and still is, situated on a plateau in the Judean mountains, a range that runs through the country between the Mediterranean sea and the Jordan River valley. It was called the “city of God” because the temple of God was built there, and the psalmist praised the city for this reason.
All Become Citizens
Vs. 4-5 (NLT) - I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.”
Vs. 6 - When the Lord registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.”
While only ethnic Jews could claim the title of God’s chosen people in Jerusalem, Gentiles were invited to participate in the “citizenship” of the holy city through allegiance to Israel’s God.
Some commentators note that this psalm may have been written to give hope to post-exilic Jews that their holy city would be restored again to its former glory. People of all ethnicities would be again proud of their citizenship there.
This is both a promise and an invitation to the Gentile world. They could be accounted by God as the privileged one who was born there in Zion. They could be regarded as citizens of Jerusalem and be registered among God’s people. This reminds us that even though God made His ancient covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants, relationship with Him was not based on genetics. Anyone from the Gentile world was welcome to honor the God of Israel, surrender to His Lordship, and be reckoned among God’s people. - David Guzik
Zion was not only the capital of the Israelites but it is also the home of many others who trust in Israel’s God (cf. Galatians 4:26-27; Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10). In this way the psalmist showed the surpassing glory of Zion. - Thomas Constable - William Barclay
