Psalm 87 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

87:1

Psalm 87:1-7. This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on Psalm 46:1, title]. The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation.

His — that is, God‘s

foundation — or, what He has founded, that is, Zion (Isaiah 14:32).

is in the holy mountains — the location of Zion, in the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem, being on several hills.

87:2

gates — for the enclosures, or city to which they opened (Psalm 9:14; Psalm 122:2; compare Psalm 132:13, Psalm 132:14).

87:3

spoken of thee — or, “in thee,” that is, the city of God (Psalm 46:4; Psalm 48:2).

87:4

This is what is spoken by God.

to them me — literally, “for My knowers,” they are true worshippers (Psalm 36:10; Isaiah 19:21). These are mentioned as specimens.

this — that is, nation

was born there — Of each it is said, “This was born,” or is a native of Zion, spiritually.

87:5

The writer resumes -

This and that man — literally, “man and man,” or many (Genesis 14:10; Exodus 8:10, Exodus 8:14), or all (Isaiah 44:5; Galatians 3:28).

the highest her — God is her protector.

87:6

The same idea is set forth under the figure of a register made by God (compare Isaiah 4:3).

87:7

As in a great procession of those thus written up, or registered, seeking Zion (Isaiah 2:3; Jeremiah 50:5), “the singers” and “players,” or pipers, shall precede.

all my springs — So each shall say, “All my sources of spiritual joy are in Thee” (Psalm 46:4; Psalm 84:6).