What is the meaning of Psalm 87:5? And it will be said of Zion • The verse opens with a future-looking promise: people everywhere will openly speak of Zion’s special standing. Psalm 132:13 affirms, “For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling.” That choice guarantees lasting renown (see also Psalm 48:1-2). • Zion here is more than geography; it represents the place where God manifests His presence and the community gathered around Him. Isaiah 2:2-3 pictures nations streaming to Zion to learn God’s ways, echoing the idea that many will “say” great things about her. • Zechariah 8:22-23 shows crowds from every language seeking the Lord in Jerusalem: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Psalm 87:5 anticipates that same worldwide acknowledgment—people will talk about Zion because they recognize God’s work there. This one and that one were born in her • The phrase personalizes belonging. Each individual—“this one” and “that one”—has a birthright in Zion. Psalm 87:4 already listed unexpected nations (Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush) counted among her citizens, hinting that God’s family transcends ethnic lines. • Isaiah 56:6-7 promises foreign worshipers, “I will bring them to My holy mountain … for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Ephesians 2:19 echoes the fulfillment: “You are … fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” • The imagery also points to the new birth that makes believers true children of Zion. John 1:12-13 says those who receive Christ “were born … of God.” Thus every redeemed person can say, “I was born in her,” whether Jew or Gentile (Galatians 3:28-29). • By recording each individual, God highlights personal value; no believer is overlooked. Revelation 21:27 speaks of names written in the Lamb’s book of life—another registry of citizens. and the Most High Himself will establish her • Zion’s permanence rests on God’s direct action. Psalm 46:5 assures, “God is within her; she will not be shaken.” Likewise, Psalm 125:1 compares those who trust in the LORD to Mount Zion, “which cannot be moved but endures forever.” • “The Most High” emphasizes sovereign authority. No political power can guarantee Zion’s future; only God can. Isaiah 14:32 declares, “The LORD has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of His people will find refuge.” • This promise looks ahead to the ultimate, unshakable city. Hebrews 12:22 points believers to “Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,” and Revelation 21:2 portrays the New Jerusalem prepared by God Himself. • Because God establishes Zion, her citizens enjoy security and purpose. Matthew 16:18 applies the same principle to the church: “the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” What God builds stands. summary Psalm 87:5 celebrates Zion’s future fame, inclusive citizenship, and unbreakable stability. People everywhere will speak of her; individuals from every background will claim birth in her; and all of it rests on the sure foundation laid by the Most High. The verse invites believers to rejoice in their own place among God’s people and to trust the Lord who secures His dwelling forever. |
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