📖 Psalms — Chapter 87 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Psalms 87:1 RHis foundation is in the holy mountains.
Psalms 87:2 RThe LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Psalms 87:3 RGlorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of RRahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
Psalms 87:5 And Rof Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
Psalms 87:6 The LORD shall count, Rwhen he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Psalms 87:7 RAs well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 87:1–3 — The beloved city of God
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The holy mountains, gates of Zion, and glorious speech about God’s city set the scene. Zion’s importance rests on the Lord’s love and foundation, rather than a claim that every human achievement within a city is sacred. Worship begins with what God establishes.
Key Truth: Honor the place God establishes for his people.
Check What You Remember
1. Where is the foundation? (Psalms 87:1)
Find it in Psalms 87:1 (KJV).
2. What gates does the Lord love? (Psalms 87:2)
Find it in Psalms 87:2 (KJV).
3. What kind of things are spoken of the city? (Psalms 87:3)
Find it in Psalms 87:3 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 87:4–5 — People named with Zion
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia are named in a surprising picture of birth and belonging. Zion is established by the highest himself. These verses widen attention beyond local ancestry and invite wonder at the people associated with God’s city.
Key Truth: God establishes the belonging celebrated in Zion.
Check What You Remember
1. What city is named alongside Rahab? (Psalms 87:4)
Find it in Psalms 87:4 (KJV).
2. What land is named after Tyre? (Psalms 87:4)
Find it in Psalms 87:4 (KJV).
3. Who will establish Zion? (Psalms 87:5)
Find it in Psalms 87:5 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 87:6–7 — Counted by God and joined in praise
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The Lord records people as born there, and singers and musicians join the celebration. The closing statement places all springs in Zion, picturing the source of life and joy. Belonging and worship are gifts received from the one who keeps the register.
Key Truth: Rejoice in belonging that God recognizes.
Check What You Remember
1. Who counts when writing up the people? (Psalms 87:6)
Find it in Psalms 87:6 (KJV).
2. What performers are named alongside instrument players? (Psalms 87:7)
Find it in Psalms 87:7 (KJV).
3. What does the speaker say are all in thee? (Psalms 87:7)
Find it in Psalms 87:7 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Hebrews 12:22 — Hebrews connects Mount Sion with the city of the living God.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can worship express welcome and shared belonging rather than pride in status or ancestry?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What grounds Zion’s significance?
2. How do named foreign peoples widen the belonging image?
3. Who establishes Zion in the birth declaration?
4. How does divine registration define belonging?
5. How does the final line join belonging and celebration?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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