Psalms 87:4 - Meaning and Application

Zion is compared with other places here, and it is placed above them. The church of Christ is more glorious and better than the nations of the earth. Other places do have their honors, and that is openly admitted in Psalm 87:4. God says, “I will count Rahab,” that is, Egypt, “and Babylon among those who know me, along with Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia,” or perhaps Arabia. The idea is that people will say, “This person was born there,” because each of these lands could point to some famous man, one known for wisdom or virtue. They could even point to a convert, someone who came to worship the true God.

Some understand this verse another way, as a promise that God would bring the Gentiles into the church and join them with the Jews in one body. In that sense, God says, “I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me. I will count them my people just as much as Israel, when they receive the gospel of Christ and are received as born in Zion, born again there, and given Zion’s privileges as freely as a true-born Israelite.” Those who were once strangers and outsiders became fellow citizens with the saints (Ephesians 2:19). A Gentile believer stands on the same level as a native Jew. Compare Isaiah 19:23-25. The Lord will say, “Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.”

Zion’s glory is greater than theirs for several reasons. Zion will produce many great and godly men who will be famous in their own time, as Psalm 87:5 says. People around Zion will say that this and that man was born there, meaning many notable men of wisdom and godliness, especially those skilled in God’s words and visions. There will be many prophets and kings, greater in God’s favor and greater blessings to the world than anything Egypt or Babylon ever produced. The church’s worthies far exceed those of the nations, and their names will shine brighter than any lasting record.

The words, “A man, a man was born in her,” may also point to Christ, that man, that son of man who is fairer than the children of men. He was born in Bethlehem, near Zion, and became the glory of his people Israel. The greatest honor ever given to the Jewish nation was that, according to the flesh, Christ came from them (Romans 9:5). Or this may also point to the conversion of the Gentiles. Then it will be said of Zion that the law and gospel that go out from her will bring many souls to God, and the Jerusalem above will be acknowledged as their mother.

Zion’s strength will also be secured by almighty power. The Most High himself will establish her, and he alone can do it fully. The coming in of converts from many nations will not bring confusion or division. Instead, it will add to Zion’s strength. God founded her on an everlasting foundation, so no shaking of nations, kingdoms, heaven, or earth can move what he has established.

Zion’s people will also be recorded with honor, as Psalm 87:6 says. The Lord will count them when he writes up the people and makes his register of his subjects. He will note that this person was born there, meaning born into his house by the first birth and born again by his Spirit in the second. When God comes to judge the children of men and give to each person according to his works, he will notice who was born in Zion. He will remember who enjoyed the privileges of his sanctuary, to whom belonged adoption, glory, the covenants, and the worship of God (Romans 9:4; Romans 3:1-2). Much was given to them, so much will be required of them, and their account will match their privileges. Those who were given five talents must use five talents well. “I know your works, and where you dwell, and where you were born. Selah.” Let those who dwell in Zion take this to heart and live in a way that fits their calling.

Zion’s songs will also be sung with joy and victory, as Psalm 87:7 says. There will be singers and players on instruments there, praising God. It is a great honor to Zion, and to the gospel church, that God is served there with joy. His work is done there, and it is done gladly (Psalm 68:25). “All my springs are in you, O Zion,” God says. He has placed treasures of grace in his holy ordinances. There are the springs from which the streams flow that make glad the city of our God (Psalm 46:4). The psalmist says the same for himself: the springs that must refresh his thirsty soul are found in the sanctuary, in the word and ordinances, and in the fellowship of God’s people. The springs of a worldly person’s joy are wealth and pleasure. But the springs of a gracious soul’s joy are the word of God and prayer. Christ is the true temple. All our springs are in him, and all our streams flow from him. The Father was pleased with this, and all believers are pleased too, that in him all fullness should dwell.