Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 87

His foundation. That is, Zion, which God founded and where He “dwells” (see Isa. 14:32). Holy mountains. Jerusalem is encircled by hills; in the city itself are the hills of Zion and Moriah (see on Ps. 48:2; cf. Ps. 133:3).

Gates of Zion. The gates of a city were the places where business was transacted, where courts were held, where the pulse of human activity was felt (see Ps. 9:14; 122:2; Isa. 29:21). By figure, “gates” represent the entire city. God beheld with great pleasure the multitudes pressing through the gates on their way to Zion. Dwellings. Perhaps the various places where the Hebrews lived; or, specifically, the various places where the ark had reposed before it was brought to Jerusalem by David.

City of God. See Ps. 46:4; 48:1. Selah. See p. 629.

Rahab. A poetical designation for Egypt (see Isa. 30:7, RSV). The context, uniting “Rahab” with “Babylon,” clarifies the reference to Egypt: the two nations were equally proud and arrogant in their antagonism to Israel. Philistia, and Tyre. See Ps. 83:7; cf. Ps. 68:31. This man was born there. Some commentators contend that the adverb “there” designates Zion; hence the interpretation that represents Zion as the capital of a universal kingdom (see Introduction to Ps. 87). It seems more natural to apply the adverb to the places mentioned in the immediately preceding context: Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia. Such an application is clearly seen in the following paraphrase of v. 4: “I will mention Egypt and Babylon to my intimates; look at Philistia, Tyre, or even Ethiopia. So-and-So was born there.” The psalmist seems to be emphasizing that beyond the fondest patriotism of the natives of these lands is the privilege of being a native of Zion. The whole psalm appears to be a grand eulogy on the Holy City as a birthplace.

In her. Citizenship in Zion is presented as the supreme privilege. Establish her. See Ps. 48:8.

Shall count. A beautiful picture further emphasizing the cherished privilege of being able to record Zion as one’s birthplace. Selah. See p. 629.

Players on instruments. Heb. cholelim, “dancers.” On dancing as a factor in religious worship, see Ex. 15:20; see on 2 Sam. 6:14. All my springs. Milton paraphrased this verse: “Both they who sing and they who dance With sacred songs are there; In thee fresh brooks and soft streams glance, And all my fountains clear.”