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Bible Chapter Summary

Psalm 87 Summary

Zion, the City of God

The psalmist proclaims that God's foundation is in the holy mountains and that the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, for glorious things are spoken of Zion, the city of God. The psalmist mentions Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, noting that men shall be born there. Zion is distinguished above all, for the Lord shall count it when He writes up the people, recording that men were born in Zion. Singers and players on instruments are there, and all the springs of the psalmist's joy are in Zion.

Key themes

Zion's gloryGod's favorSpiritual birthWorship and praise

Key verses

Psalms 87:1-3

His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

Psalms 87:5-6

And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.

Psalms 87:7

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

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