Study Guide – Psalm 87

Psalm 87


1 On the holy mountain

    stands the city founded by the Lord.
2 He loves the city of Jerusalem
    more than any other city in Israel.[a]
3 O city of God,
    what glorious things are said of you! Interlude

4 I will count Egypt[band Babylon among those who know me—
    also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.[c]
    They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!
5 Regarding Jerusalem[d] it will be said,
    “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.”
    And the Most High will personally bless this city.
6 When the Lord registers the nations, he will say,
    “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude

7 The people will play flutes[eand sing,
    “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!” NLT

 

From what you read in this psalm, describe God's love for Jerusalem:

 

Look at verses 1-3: Think about all you know about the events of the Bible. Why is Jerusalem such an important city to God?

 

Look at verses 4-6: Describe the cultural richness of God's vision for Jerusalem:

 

What would it take for God to consider people from all over the world as "citizens" of Jerusalem? When in history (past, present, future) does this declaration take place?

 

::::: APPLICATION CHALLENGE :::::

Have you ever stopped to cherish Jerusalem the way the people in verse 7 do? What could you do today to begin appreciating and celebrating the dynamic role this city plays in God's plan for humanity?

 

::::: DIGGING DEEPER :::::

How do the following Scriptural notes from the NLT on this passage enhance your understanding of this psalm? Consider doing some further study on one or more of these notes:

  1. 87:2 Hebrew He loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. See note on 44:4.
  2. 87:4a Hebrew Rahab, the name of a mythical sea monster that represents chaos in ancient literature. The name is used here as a poetic name for Egypt.
  3. 87:4b Hebrew Cush.
  4. 87:5 Hebrew Zion.
  5. 87:7 Or will dance.

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