Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 87

The Glory of ZionThis psalm focuses on the greatness of Zion, especially the temple built on Mount Moriah. The psalmist may have been looking at the temple and thinking about how special it was. He suddenly says, Its foundation is in the holy mountains. This shows the strength and importance of the place where God’s people gather to worship. Three main points are made here: the strong foundation of the temple, God’s special love for Zion, and the wonderful things said about it in scripture.v. 1: The temple is built on the holy mountains. Its foundation is in the holy mountains . The church has a secure foundation and cannot be shaken. Christ is the true foundation, and God Himself has laid it. The temple is built high and strong, on solid rock. Holiness gives the church its real strength. God’s promises and the work of the Holy Spirit keep the church safe, just as the mountains hold up the temple. Unlike the world, which is unstable, the church stands firm forever (Isaiah 2:2; Psalm 24:2 ; Isaiah 54:10 ).

v. 2: God loves the gates of Zion more than any other place. The Lord

v. 3: Many wonderful things are said about the city of God. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God . Even if enemies speak badly of God’s city, God Himself says great things about it. He promises to watch over and bless His house forever (2 Chronicles 7:16 ). Mount Zion is beautiful and special (Psalm 48:2 ). Even greater things are said about the church of Jesus, which is called a holy nation and a royal priesthood. The church will never be destroyed, no matter what others say.

The Glory of ZionThis section compares Zion with other famous places and nations. It shows that the church of Christ is more glorious than any nation on earth. While other places may have their own greatness, Zion is special in God's eyes. Here we learn that God welcomes people from every nation into His family, and that Zion is strong, joyful, and full of life because of God's blessing.v. 4: God says, I will make mention of Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon to those who know me; behold Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: this man was born there . This means that even great lands like Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia had famous people. But it is also a promise that people from these nations will be counted as God’s own, just like Israelites, when they believe in Him. Gentiles, once foreigners, can become fellow citizens with God's people (Ephesians 2:19; Isaiah 19:23-25 ).

v. 5: It will be said of Zion, This and that man was born in her; and the Highest himself shall establish her . Zion will have many great people, more than any other place. God will make Zion strong and secure. This also points to Jesus, who was born near Zion and is the greatest blessing for God’s people (Romans 9:5 ).

v. 6: The Lord

v. 7: As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in you (Psalm 87:7 ). In Zion, people will praise God with music and joy. The source of all true happiness and blessing is found in God’s presence, in His word, and in worship with His people (Psalm 46:4 ). For those who trust in Christ, all their springs of life and joy come from Him.