September 2, 2024

What's the Deal with "Zion" in the Bible?

Psalm 87

Blake Mikeal
Monday's Devo

September 2, 2024

Monday's Devo

September 2, 2024

Monday's Devo

September 2, 2024

Monday's Devo

September 2, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 87:5

And of Zion it shall be said,
"This one and that one were born in her";
for the Most High himself will establish her.

Psalm 87

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken

A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song.

1  On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2      the LORD loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3  Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God. Selah

4  Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush 1 87:4 Probably Nubia —
    “This one was born there,” they say.
5  And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her”;
    for the Most High himself will establish her.
6  The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.” Selah

7  Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.”

Footnotes

[1] 87:4 Probably Nubia
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #44: Keeping a record of the population

Fact: Keeping a record of the population

Keeping a record of the population (87:6) was a very important task in the ancient world. In fact, sometimes entire cities were employed for this purpose. People who performed such royal duties were sometimes rewarded by being exempt from imprisonment and military service, and from having to pay taxes.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 87:1–3 The opening section describes Zion, the capital of God’s people, as the city God founded, the city whose gates the Lord loves, the city of God. Its location on the holy mount shows why it is so glorious: it is the place of the temple, where God’s people meet him.

Study Notes

Ps. 87:4–6 The second section is startling. One expects a reference to those who know me, but the list is composed of Gentile nations. Yet, the Most High himself will establish Zion, in order to allow the peoples to be treated as born in her, as Israelites. When the people of God sing this psalm, they stay focused on their God-given purpose, to be a light for the Gentiles; see note on 86:8–10.

Psalms Fact #44: Keeping a record of the population

Fact: Keeping a record of the population

Keeping a record of the population (87:6) was a very important task in the ancient world. In fact, sometimes entire cities were employed for this purpose. People who performed such royal duties were sometimes rewarded by being exempt from imprisonment and military service, and from having to pay taxes.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 87. This is a psalm celebrating Zion as the chosen city of God. It looks forward to people of all nations—even nations that have been Israel’s enemies—becoming citizens of this city (carrying forward the ideas of 86:9).

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 87

Have you ever lost your passport? Well, I have.

And let me tell you, when traveling abroad, there are few things more stressful than losing your passport. Your passport is the one item that can identify you as a U.S. citizen, grant you access to other countries, and allow you back into the U.S. Many people go to great lengths to keep their passport safe because losing it could mean missing your flight and an amazing trip, or worse. In Psalm 87, we see that believers are granted something much greater than a passport; we are granted citizenship in Zion! But what is Zion anyway?

Put simply, Zion is the holy city of God. This refers to both the physical city of Jerusalem and the spiritual kingdom of God. Zion is physical in the sense that much of God's historical and redemptive work occurred in and around Jerusalem (think Abraham, David, even Jesus!). Zion is also spiritual because all believers (since Pentecost in Acts 2) have been granted citizenship into God's eternal kingdom through Jesus (a/k/a the Church).

However, in Psalm 87:4-5, the author shifts the focus from Jerusalem to the cities surrounding Israel: Rahab (Egypt), Babylon (Iraq), Philistia (Palestine), Tyre (Lebanon), and Cush (Ethiopia). These cities were opposed to Israel during this time, but the author is describing a future day when even the Gentile nations will come to know God. And not only are they citizens of this eternal kingdom, but in Psalm 87:5, it is as if they "were born [in Zion]." This is great news because it means that people from every tribe, nation, and tongue can be "born again" into God's kingdom! From the very beginning, God's redemptive plan included not only the Israelites, but also the Gentiles! Salvation is not a matter of ethnicity or earthly citizenship but of faith in Jesus Christ—what an amazing truth!

So today, let us remember what a privilege it is to be chosen by God as citizens of Zion!

This month's memory verse

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

– Galatians 5:25

Discussion Questions

1. Does knowing that you are spiritually "born" in Zion change how you view your life as a Christian? Why or why not?

2. In this passage, we see that people from all tribes and nations will one day be part of God's kingdom. How are you actively living with a "missional mindset"?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

"Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" was written by John Newton in 1779. John Newton, well-known for his hymn "Amazing Grace," was a former slave trader turned Anglican clergyman. The hymn accompanied by an orchestra in India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQJUrK5vh4g The LORD is the one recording and registering in the documents of record. Is it the book of life? If the LORD is the one recording and registering the list is true. This Psalm 87 inspired the hymn "Glorious thing of thee are spoken" which doesn't mention past enemies counted born in Zion. Lovely as it is, let's see if we can make a version like the original Psalm 87. Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God; He whose word cannot be broken Formed thee for His own abode. Loving more the gates of Zion Than all dwellings, Jacob's pride. God, with joyous acclamation, Prefers His city's open side. Gates that welcome nations turning, Once as foes who warred and spurned, Now as natives, hearts are yearning, In her bounds, new life is earned. Triple blessed, these new-born voices, “Born in her,” they proudly claim. Zion's heart now rejoices, Enemies, now first in name. What a wonder, grace extending, Foreigners her peace embrace; Hostile hearts to heaven bending, In the city of His grace. See! Her gates, now open, beckon, Strangers dance through streets of gold; Zion, in her glory reckoned, As the sheep within His fold. Sing, for God His plan reveals, Zion's peace to all extends; In her midst, the world finds heals, Enemies become her friends. Thus we praise with hearts elated, Zion stands, God’s plan unfurled; In His grace, all is created, Through her light, He saves the world. The LORD, as registrar, is ordaining, In the book where life is found; With each name, His grace sustaining, Hearts once lost, now glory-bound. and let's not forget the authors... Sons of Korah, not swallowed in darkness, In the depths of earth once, as if reborn; Now they stand, redeemed, and harken To the call of Zion's morn. Bouncers bold at temple's entry, Lift their voices, loud and clear; Sing of mountains, life aplenty, Where the Lord alone draws near. Grace transforms the deepest story, Mercy flows from heights above; Korah's sons now share in glory, Sing of life and endless love.
GJ

greg jones

Psalm 87 superscript Glorious things of you are spoken. A psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. Psalm 86 seems to parallel 2 Samuel 24, the census of David. So thinking about that deeper dive and this one. Psalm 87 is about God loving Zion (Jerusalem) over other places Jacob dwelled, other people knowing God, and contains this line, “the LORD records as he registers the peoples. ‘This one was born there.’” Something devastating happens to the house of Korah. It’s described in Numbers 16:32-33. V33b “and they perished from the midst of the assembly”. This happened while Israel dwelled in the wilderness. So a lot can also be said about the plague that takes place after the house of Korah incident and how Moses and Aaron stop the plague. And you can compare it to the plague of 2 Samuel 24. If you do you notice that the plague stops at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. That place being the future temple site in Jerusalem. The Jebusites were the occupants of Jerusalem whom David defeated to take the city. You could say they were born there. Anyways’ there is this interesting exchange between Araunah the Jebusite (not a worshipper of Yahweh) and David. Araunah offers what he knows David could take. David counters by buying what he knows he could have taken. Long story short a sacrifice is make and the angel of the LORD stops his destruction at the threshing floor of a Jebusite. And what transpired from that interaction can make you scratch your head when you read these verses concerning Israel and Jebusites. “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. Exodus 23:23 When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. Exodus 23:23-24 Exodus 23:23, or the other mentions they get in Genesis thru Deuteronomy, isn’t the whole story concerning Israel’s 2 Samuel neighbor the Jebusites. Obviously more of the story comes later. Numbers 16 isn’t the whole story concerning the house of Korah. Better songs come later here in Psalms. A better song, a better story, is a changing story, a fuller more complete story. To know the God of Psalms fully…sometimes you have to experience the God of Exodus, Numbers and 2 Samuel. I hate that process. I hate that place. Things are said to God that don’t need to be repeated apart from that place. It is not the place where “glorious things of you are spoken.” There is no comfort with God in that place of process. It’s as close as you can get to the place of the cross. And you realize there is no shame, no condemnation for what you are expressing. God showing up outside the presence of comfort, that can be as real and raw as experiencing God can get. Some glorious of God are realized apart from comfort. That changes your story and your song. The takeaway is enviable. The process isn’t and can be unimaginable. God bless.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Yes it will improve my Christian life. It is another detail of my Christian life I can know and understand. Knowledge can improve values. 2. I believe in God. I use His advice every chance I can in everything I do. I apply what I learn from God in daily life and share His values with others when possible. Blake - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a great point in saying, “Salvation is not a matter of ethnicity or earthly citizenship but of faith in Jesus Christ—what an amazing truth”!
JC

Jason Cromwell

It's awesome how God works. My normal readings took me to Acts 15 today. It's where the Apostles are trying to figure out how much of the old Mosaic Covenant the new Gentile Converts should follow. They were led to find that not much of it. We have been set free to walk in a perfect relationship with Jesus without the old man made rules and regs.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Oh man, Blake, BUMMER about losing your passport! I still have a paper copy of ours in my purse after our international travels last month. I'm so glad our spiritual passports are sealed by the Holy Spirit to our hearts! We can't lose them! As I read v. 3 in today's psalm, my mind flipped to the words "Glorious things of Thee are spoken." Where did that come from? I googled it, and--oh yeah!--it's the hymn Michael shared. Which I have not sung, or heard for that matter, in DECADES. (Because contemporary music.) Too bad--it really is lovely. Living in Texas my entire adult life, I smiled at the psalm's reference to being born in Zion. Being born in Texas, I learned quickly after moving here, is a BIG HAIRY DEAL. (I wasn't, but I got here as fast as I could.) But how cool is it that no matter where one is born physically, anyone can be born again spiritually, born again in Zion. Which well may have been what Jesus was referring to when He talked to Nicodemus about being born again. Psalm 87 does hint at it, and Jesus indicated Nick should have known about it as a teacher in Israel.
LG

Linda Green

Thanks, Blake- good comparison! Am learning that almost everything in our physical world has a spiritual parallel. What we eat, the importance of resting, protecting our eyesight, gardening, losing your passport…..the list is endless. Like Israel, Jerusalem, and Zion. Tim Keller said when you read Zion, think Temple, the place where God dwelled until the Cross tore the veil in two (Matthew 27:52). Now that Temple is in our heart through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). But it doesn’t negate the physical promise that Jesus will come back to the physical Zion (Zechariah 14:4-11). God keeps His promises. So many puzzles and unanswered questions! But every tribe, tongue and nation will be represented there, praising God!