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Psalms / Chapter 87
Psalm 87 presents Zion as a city established by God and honored above all others. It moves from the city’s holy foundation and praised reputation to a surprising census where many nations are recorded as born there.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
Yahweh loves the gates of Zion More than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.
I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: "This one was born there."
Yes, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one was born in her;" The Most High himself will establish her.
Yahweh will count, when he writes up the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah.
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, "All my springs are in you." Psalm 88 A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite.
Psalms journey · Psalms 87
Full passage context
Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.
Prayer, lament, praise, kingship, and hope teach God's people to sing truthfully.
Movement
Worship across the whole story
Artifact
Prayer book of the covenant people
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
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Context snapshot
Date
Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC
Genre
Poetry, prayer, and praise
Setting
Israel/Judah worship tradition
Audience
Israel
World Stage
Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries
Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.
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