Glorious Things

Spoken of Zion

Psalm 87

Background• A psalm praising God for His

care of His holy city.• OF the sons of Korah• Time of psalm unknown

Background• Possibly after victory over

Assyria (2 Kn. 18-19, 2 Chron. 32, Isa 37)

• City established awhile• Spectacular deliverance• Nations mentioned• Other cities fells (vs. 2,

cf. 2 Kn. 18:13)

Glorious Things Spoken (1-3)• Foundation in the mountains

- many “mountain scenes” demonstrate God’s greatness (Ararat, Sinai, Pisgah, Ebal & Gerazim. Carmel, NT – Transfiguration, beatitudes, etc.)

Glorious Things Spoken (1-3)• “The Lord Loves the Gates

of Zion”• Zion reference to literal city

of David - 2 Sam. 5:7, 1 Kn. 8:1

• 2 Kn. 19:21, 31 - Syria would not breach the walls of Jerusalem

Glorious Things Spoken (1-3)“Zion”

•Jerusalem, the “city of God - (vs. 3) The place where tabernacle rested, and the temple was built. Many victories recorded in her history. Her “harlotries” led to her downfall

Glorious Things Spoken (1-3)“Zion”

•The word is used to describe God’s chosen people, the remnant - •Isa. 2:2-3•Psalm 2:6•Isa. 52:7, 59:20, 60:14•Zechariah 8:2-3

Glorious Things Spoken (1-3)OF this city

•Loved more than all the dwellings of Jacob (2)•Glorious things are spoken of you! Her history is splendid•O city of God! (3)

Greater than others (4-6)• These verses – either

physical acknowledgment of Zion’s greatness, OR a future realm in which all nations flow to her OR both!

Greater than others (4-6)• (4) Numerous nations

mentioned – prominence and at some point oppressed Judah

• Rahab (Egypt) – Isa. 51:9• Babylon – Marduk• Philistia – Dagon• Tyre – Baal, Jezebel• Ethiopia – followed Egypt

Greater than others (4-6)• (4) “I will make mention of

Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me.” NKJV KJV (‘them”)

• “I shall mention Rahab and Babylon AMONG those who know Me” NASU

• “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon AS AMONG them that know Me.” ASV

Greater than others (4-6)• (5-6) “Of Zion it will be said…”• The acknowledgment of other

nations of God’s favor of His people born in Zion

• “The Lord will record…” (vs. 6), cf. Phil. 2:9-11, Rom. 14:11, Isa. 45:23

• It is a blessing to be born in His kingdom!

Singers and players say (7)• “All my springs…” The

source of life – He gives life and sustains us.

• Mention of singers and players – rejoicing! Something ALSO found in the Lord!

Is the “City of God” in your life?