O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! It was a picture of things to come. In the holy mountains; or, among or within the holy mountains, to wit, in Jerusalem, which was encompassed with mountains, Psalm 125:2, and in which were two famous mountains, to wit, Zion and Moriah. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 91 CONTEXT: The Septuagint (LXX: Greek version of the Old Testament) attributes this psalm to David, but that remains in question. Glorious things are said of We aren't certain of the time and circumstances of its writing. the argument or matter, of this Psalm or Song. Barnes' Notes on the Bible. Like the other psalms "for the sons of Korah," it most probably belongs to the days of Hezekiah. The prophet speaketh of the nature and glory of the endureth and God’s love to it, Psalm 87:1-3; of the increase, honour, and comfort of the members thereof, Psalm 87:4-7. Psalm 87 - A song. But from every other side, the ascent is perpetual; and, to the traveller approaching Jerusalem from the west or east, it must always have presented the appearance, beyond any other capital of the then known world -- we may add, beyond any important city that has ever existed on the earth -- of a mountain city; breathing, as compared with the sultry plains of the Jordan or of the coast, a mountain air; enthroned, as compared with Jericho or Damascus, Gaza or Tyre, on a mountain fastness. Psalms 87:1 Context. A song. Psalm 87:1-7. A sacred hymn and a national lyric. -- If we suppose the Psalm to have been composed in the days of Hezekiah, it will appear quite intelligible that the Psalmist should break out so suddenly at the beginning with praise of the security of Sion: he merely lends his mouth in this case to the full heart of the people; The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, is seen in its true light, for this preference for Sion was at that time verified -- its gates remained closed upon the enemies, while all the rest of the country was subject to their sway.-- E.W. And whereas the beginning is somewhat abrupt, which seems to be the only ground of the foregoing exposition, that is no unusual thing in Scripture, and the pronoun relative, such as this is, is often put without any foregoing antecedent, and the antecedent is to be fetched out of the following words or verses, as Numbers 24:17, I shall see him, or it, to wit, the star, which follows afterward; Psalm 105:19, his word, i.e. Their holiness is due to God's presence there, not the other way around. holiness ~ something that is very good; in Psalm 87, a place where God is. Verse 1. The Musicians’ Exultation over Jerusalem (87:7). III. beharree kodesh, the mountains of holiness; gave himself for his church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it; Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. What but these things, and Christ himself, the Rock of Ages, on which rock we know that the Church is so firmly founded, that the gates of hell cannot prevail against her? Psalms 90:1-17 The adjective “his” has been supposed by some to refer to the psalm itself, and this expression has been considered to be a part of the title to the psalm, meaning that the foundation of the psalm is the holy mountain where the praises of God were celebrated; that is Zion. i. The privilege of being born in it, Psalm 87:5, Psalm 87:6. Greek ~ a language. Hebron, indeed, is higher still, by some hundred feet; and from the south, accordingly, the approach to Jerusalem is by a slight descent. The title prefixed is "A Psalm to be sung by the sons of Korah", i.e. We may have enough from God, if we pray for it in faith. "His foundation is in the holy mountains." What but the everlasting covenant, "ordered in all things and sure" from which grace and salvation proceed? However, there is also much to be gained by addressing the Psalm as a whole. Proud member the Lord’s; Proverbs 7:8, to her house, i.e. 2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Not on the sand of carnal policy, nor in the morass of human kingdoms, has the Lord founded his church, but on his own power and godhead, which are pledged for the establishment of his beloved church, which is to him the chief of all his works. The Book of Psalms Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET PSALM 87 Psa 87:1-7.This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on JF & B for Ps 46:1, title].The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation. In this case, the author is David, and he’s reflecting on nature. I am one whom thou favourest, hast set apart for … Either, 1. II. Selah. Verse 1. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee. PSALM 85:1-3. There are only two divisions in the psalm: (1) Psalms 87:1-3, and (2) Psalms 87:4-6, with a final exclamation in Psalms 87:7. These psalms are sometimes categorized as “enthronement psalms” because of their focus on God’s eternal kingship. The psalm pronounces a severe Interlude I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. Hengstenberg. I.TO ISRAEL OF OLD, God's ancient people. And so the meaning of this passage may be this, Be not discouraged, O ye Jews, that your temple is not yet erected and built, but only the foundations of it laid, and those too are mean and obscure in comparison of the magnificence of your former temple; but take comfort in this, that your temple hath its foundations laid, and those sure and firm; sure in themselves, because they are not laid in the sand, nor in boggy or fenny grounds, but in the mountains; and sure by Divine establishment, because those mountains are holy, consecrated to God, and therefore maintained and established by him. So it"s sort of a psalm which extols the city of Jerusalem which is known as Zion also. The foundation of the church, which is the mystical Jerusalem, is laid in the eternal, immutable, and invincible decrees of Jehovah. Babel, the chief cit… Verses 1-3: Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. That just means, the author wrote it to reflect and meditate on something. The best self-preservation is to commit ourselves to God's keeping. The city of our God – Jerusalem is the place where God set forth His redemptive work. The title, A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah, gives us no light into the author or meaning of this Psalm. The two portions of Psalm 92 chosen by the lectionary each offer interesting possibilities for interpretation and connection to the life of the church, and interpreters may find it useful to focus on one or the other. A theocracy blends the religious and the patriotic ideas in one; and in proportion as nations become Christianized, their popular songs will become deeply imbued with pious sentiments. (Selah) 4 I mention Rahab and Babylon to my followers. foundation—or, what He has founded, that is, … Dean Stanley speaks of “the multiplicity of the eminences” which the city “shares, though in a smaller compass, with Rome and Constantinople” (Sinai and Palestine, p. 177). Subject and Division. Psalms 89:38-52 The Apparent Suspension of The Covenant. Psalms 87:1 His foundation is in the holy mountains . ] No other city to be compared to this, Psalm 87:4. What can they be but the eternal purpose of Jehovah -- the purpose out of which the being of the Church and the whole dispensation of Divine love have sprung? What but those attributes of mercy, justice, holiness, and sovereignty, from the ineffable embrace and holy cooperation of which it comes to pass that his chosen people are redeemed? All wicked people are God's enemies, especially wicked persecutors. There is no example of any such like title in the Book of the Psalms. Or rather, 2. 87:4-6, with a final exclamation in Ps. This is a lively description of fallen man. And this wild and fastness like character of Jerusalem was concentrated yet again in the fortress, the "stronghold" of Zion. Its praises celebrated, Psalm 87:7. A theocracy blends the religious and the patriotic ideas in one; and in proportion as nations become … of fallen man. Psalm 8 Commentary: Structure Body of Psalm … The foundation that God has given his city is in "the holy mountains." It may be significant that those three are He has lost his pristine beauty and fruitfulness. But the Korahites are best known for the frequent appearance of their name in the superscriptions to two groups of Psalms (Psalms 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 84, 85, 87, 88). ... Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. Psalms 86:1-17 David Prays For Protection From Enemies. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 133 EXEGESIS: CONTEXT: At three verses, this is one of the shortest psalms in the psalter. Many things had contributed to David's advancement, and he owns the hand of God in them all, to teach us to do likewise. Commentary on Psalm 83:1-8 (Read Psalm 83:1-8) Sometimes God seems not to be concerned at the unjust treatment of his people. Verse 1. 87:1-3 Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. Holiness is the strength and firmness of the church. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, even Jesus Christ. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In Salem is his `leafy covert', and his `rocky den' in Zion ... Thou art more glorious and excellent than the `mountains of the robbers'". 87:1-3, and (2) Ps. The Lord loves the gates of Zionmore than all the other dwellings of Jacob. This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of the sons of Korah.A Song.These sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. Psalm 87:1 Commentaries. Mountains. Commentary on Psalm 18:29-50 (Read Psalm 18:29-50) When we praise for one mercy, we must observe the many more, with which we have been compassed all our days. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Look after Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the Psalms of David for more about the covenant. (w) "inter montes sanctitatis", Junius & Tremellius; so Ainsworth. It is a hymn of praise throughout, expressing wonder that Yahweh has made people “a little lower than God” (v. On the holy mount stands the city he founded;" Psalm 87:1, KJV: "{A Psalm … The Lord’s Love for Zion (87:1-3). Title. 2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Verses 1-4 The … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15" So these words are thought to be a part of the title, the words lying thus in the Hebrew text, For the sons of Korah, a Psalm or Song whose foundation is in the Holy mountains. Commentary on Psalm 81:8-16 (Read Psalm 81:8-16) We cannot look for too little from the creature, nor too much from the Creator. in the hill country of Judaea, a congeries of mountains, "holy," since they surround the holy city and belong to the "holy land" ( Zechariah 2:12 ). -- His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Hebrew word rendered foundation is no where used in that sense. And the ground of that abrupt and imperfect speech there seems to be the same with this here; for as the church was there in deep meditation and a great passion about her beloved, which caused that abruptness of speech, which is usual in such cases, so the psalmist’s thoughts were strongly fixed upon the temple and city of God; and therefore this relative his had a certain antecedent in his thoughts, though not in his words. The Lord's people are his hidden one; the world knows them not. One popular theory about their origins is that they were recited in the Jerusalem temple during a New Year festival that … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 95:1-7a" But then we may call upon him, as the psalmist here. Psalms 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.. Ver. the harlot’s, mentioned Proverbs 7:10; and especially Song of Solomon 1:2, let him kiss, to wit, my beloved, who is there understood, but not expressed till Proverbs 7:14. “Rahab is Egypt, and so called for its strength and pride. 1 Written by the Korahites; a psalm, a song. With regard to the plural, mountains, it is probably only poetical, though geographically it is correct to speak of Jerusalem as situated on hills. Holiness is the strength and firmness of the church. Among the gods there is none like You: David’s understanding of who God is in this psalm – listening, holy, worthy of trust, merciful, good, ready to forgive – stands in contrast to the contemporary understanding of many of the pagan gods, such as Ba… That point, the highest in the city, the height which most readily catches the eye from every quarter, is emphatically the "hill fort", the "rocky hold" of Jerusalem -- the refuge where first the Jebusite, and then the Lion of God, stood at bay against the hunters. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. Commentary on Psalm 86:1-7 (Read Psalm 86:1-7) Our poverty and wretchedness, when felt, powerfully plead in our behalf at the throne of grace. God is not there because the mountains are holy, but they are holy because God is there. 4. PSALM 87 OVERVIEW. His foundation: whose foundation? This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on [618]Ps 46:1, title]. PSALM 87. The Lord’s city is in the holy hills. Selah. Sudden passion is evil, but bursts of holy joy are most precious. In this respect it concentrated in itself the character of the whole country of which it was to be the capital -- the "mountain throne", the "mountain sanctuary", of God. 1 Yahweh, you have been favorable to … God promised that even among the rivals there would be those who know Me– those who have true relationship with Him. Every such person is entitled to sing this sacred hymn, and he is called upon to do it. That the writer had them in his mind, there can be no doubt, whatever other applications we may make of his words. "God loveth the gates of Zion" (Psalms 87:2). Jeremiah 14:2.). People are not religious, because they will not be so. All the wickedness of the world is owing to man's wilfulness. Psalm 1 Commentary: Verse 5 Contrasted with Verse 6. For You aregreat, and do wondrous things; You alone areGod. The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation. A Song. On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD. John Trapp Complete Commentary. This triumphal song was probably occasioned by the same event as the forty-sixth [see on [618]Ps 46:1, title]. He has founded his city on the holy mountain." God's foundation - the city which he has founded - is "in the holy mountains;" i.e. "In the holy mountains" (Psalms 87:1). This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician.A Psalm of the sons of Korah.These sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. 87:7. Psalms 85:1-13 God Never Gives Up On Us. He has founded his city on the holy mountain. A song. Sudden passion is evil, but bursts of holy joy are most precious. There are good reasons for each option. Commentary on Psalm 87:1-3 (Read Psalm 87:1-3) Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. It would seem to have been written after Jerusalem and the Temple had been built, and had enjoyed a history, of which glorious things could be spoken. 2. A thousand shall fall, &c.] This deadly disease lays heaps upon heaps (as we have had lamentable experience), and scarce leaveth living enough to bury the dead, as in the days of Decius the emperor. This psalm is true, whether we apply it -. By David’s time it seems they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19). Of the city or temple of God, of which he speaks in the following verses. The Psalm begins abruptly, the poet's heart was full, and it gained vent on a sudden. All rights reserved. God has chosen to found his earthly temple upon the mountains; he might have selected other spots, but it was his pleasure to have his chosen abode upon Zion. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. this is the `mountain' which God desireth to dwell in" ...It was emphatically the lair of the lion of Judah, of "Ariel", the Lion of God. Psalm 87:2. Why leap ye so, ye high `mountains'? If you are considering this psalm selection for Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether your sermon text will be only verses 1-7a or the entire eleven verses of the canonical psalm. A psalm. The word foundations may possibly be emphatical, because this Psalm might probably be composed when the foundations of the second temple were newly laid, and the old men who had seen the glory of the former house were dejected at the sight of this, of which see Ezra 3:11,12. A sacred hymn and a national lyric. He laid the foundation in ancient times of what He would bring fulfilling it through His Son, Jesus. Psalms 87:1-7 Jerusalem – City of God. Whole Psalm -- Bishop Bruno entitles this Psalm, "The voice of prophecy concerning the heavenly Jerusalem", that is, the Church of Christ. Psalm 8 Commentary: Psalm 8 is a reflective or meditative psalm. The psalmist wrote it to assure Israel that Yahweh would keep them safe through all trials IF they put their trust in him Psalm 87Of the Sons of Korah. On the one hand, reading and … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 95:1-7a" And in particular he’s meditating on man’s place in relation to nature. Here are Philistia and Tyre, along with Ethiopia. There the city sits securely, beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth. The name of the person whom he is to celebrate is not mentioned at first, but is soon discovered by the character given of him. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. But as we have no information, and the point is not important, we may leave it, and proceed to meditate upon the Psalm itself. -- A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. The psalm is a prayer in the midst of crisis for the ancient faith community. In the same sense it is used for the bald head, when age or sickness has deprived it of its glory and left it without hair. His foundation - This is an abrupt commencement of the psalm. Ps 87:1-7. Hebrew ~ the language that the *Jews spoke when they wrote the Psalms of David. Jerusalem was where Melchizedek reigned as … -- A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. is in the holy mountains—the location of Zion, in the wide sense, for the capital, or Jerusalem, being on several hills. "In Judah is God known; his name is great in Israel. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. They prayed for joy, joy that can come from God’s presence in the midst of the community. Title. Psalm 87 – Citizens of Zion. These sacred hills God had selected as the place of his solemn worship - of his own abode. Psalm 87:1, ESV: "A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. There are only two divisions in the psalm: (1) Ps. The nature and glorious privileges of Zion and Jerusalem, Psalm 87:1-3. Compare the notes at Psalm 48:1-2. foundation—or, what He has founded, that is, Zion (Isa 14:32). Psalm 117, with two verses, is the only shorter psalm. Rome stands on her seven hills and has never lacked a poet's tongue to sing her glories, but more glorious far art thou, O Zion, among the eternal mountains of God: while pen can write or mouth can speak, thy praises shall never lie buried in inglorious silence. Verse 1-2. By David’s time it seems they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19). Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there. Psalm 87 Commentary. “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” a. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon: After a focus on Jerusalem itself, God spoke of the Gentile nations on every side of Israel, who were their rivals and often enemies. --Arthur Penrhyn Stanley. Here His foundation is equivalent to that which He hath founded, and the gates are put by metonymy for the city itself. -- A Psalm or Song for the Sons of Korah. And so the last two verses contrast the final end of these two types of people. 6 The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Psalms 88:1-18 The Depths of Despair. Holiness is the strength and firmness of the church. He wills that the church shall be, he settles all arrangements for her calling, salvation, maintenance and perfection, and all his attributes, like the mountains round about Jerusalem, lend their strength for her support. Well might such a theme cause his heart to glow. Yes, these are the holy mountains, whereon the city of God is built, and in which its deep and sure foundations are laid. 3 People say wonderful things about you, O city of God. The sure decree, the divine perfections, the promise of him that cannot lie, the oath and covenant of God, and the incarnate Son himself, are the holy mountains, the perpetual hills, whose summits are gloriously crowned by the city of the Great King. Or he may use this word foundations in opposition to the tabernacle, which was movable, and without foundations, to note the stability and perpetuity of this building. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 8 INTRODUCTION: While the superscription notes this psalm is for the use of the Chief Musician or choirmaster, the psalm itself is addressed to Yahweh. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all of the dwellings of Jacob ( Psalm 87:1-2). Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. God's foundations are there in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. "by the hands of the sons of Korah is said a song, which is founded by the mouth of the fathers that were of old:''. The Jewish writers connect these words with the title of the psalm, and make the sense to be this; "the foundation" or argument "of it", the psalm, "is concerning the holy mountains" of Zion and Jerusalem; so Aben Ezra, Jarchi, and Kimchi; and the Targum joins them together thus, But, 1. of It is divided into three parts: … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 85:8-13" Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 82 EXEGESIS: INTRODUCTION: This psalm has a great deal in common with the prophets, in that it pronounces judgment on those appointed by God to positions of power, who have "shown partiality to the wicked" (v. 2) and have failed to "defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless" (v. 3). 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. (Comp. The foundation, i.e. 87:1-3 Christ himself is the Foundation of the church, which God has laid. Its elevation is remarkable, occasioned, not from its being on the summit of one of the numerous hills of Judaea, like most of the towns and villages, but because it is on the edge of one of the highest table lands of the country. In contrast – Psalm 1:6 – God is personally acquainted and familiar with the way of the righteous. (a) God chose that place among the hills to establish Jerusalem and his temple. Jerusalem is surrounded by hills, and within the city itself there were the hills of Zion, Moriah, Acra, and Bezethah; See the notes at Matthew 2:1. John Trapp Complete Commentary. But being brought to a light sense of this, and finding himself stript of all the glory which the first Adam had in paradise, he has been led to seek the restoration of his nature, and has obtained of the second Adam, the. It is divided into three parts: … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 85:8-13" The writer celebrates the glory of the Church, as the means of spiritual blessing to the nation. God has chosen to found his earthly temple upon the mountains; he might have selected other spots, but it was his pleasure to have his chosen abode upon Zion. S. Conway. 1. 1 (A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.) Psalm 87:1 NIV Psalm 87:1 NLT Psalm 87:1 ESV Psalm 87:1 NASB Psalm 87:1 KJV Psalm 87:1 Bible Apps Psalm 87:1 Parallel Psalm 87:1 Biblia Paralela Psalm 87:1 Chinese Bible Psalm 87:1 French Bible Psalm 87:1 German Bible Psalm 87:1 Commentaries Bible Hub "The `mount' of God is as the `mount' of Bashan; an high mount as the mount of Bashan. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. They prayed for joy, joy that can come from God’s presence in the midst of the community. Verse 1. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon] Rahab is Egypt, and so called for its … Among the gods there isnone like You, O Lord; Nor are there any workslike Your works. -- The song is in honour of Zion, or Jerusalem, and it treats of God's favour to that city among the mountains, the prophecies which made it illustrious, and the honour of being a native of it. Let us not be ashamed of the church of Christ in its meanest condition, nor of those that belong to it, since such glorious things are spoken of it. All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. Psalm 95 appears in a grouping of psalms that focus on the reign of God (Psalms 93, 95-99). What but the promise of life that was given in Christ to the elect before the world began? Psalms 87:1-7.-Zion is the city loved and founded by God (Psalms 87:1-3); it is the spiritual birthplace of the nations (Psalms 87:4-7). An interpretation of Psalm 85:8-13 needs first to find a context in the whole of Psalm 85. Let us not be ashamed of the church of Christ in its meanest condition, nor of those that belong to it, since such glorious things are spoken of it. The Psalm begins abruptly, the poet's heart was full, and it gained vent on a sudden. The wicked – Psalm 1:5 will be judged and found to be guilty. --William Romaine. Psalm 85 – Praying for Revival and Restoration. This "Psalm or song" was either composed by the sons of Korah, or dedicated to them: as they kept the doors of the house of the Lord, they could use this beautiful composition as a Psalm within the doors, and as a song outside. Many conceive that it was written at the founding of David's city of Zion, but does not the mention of Babylon imply a later date? Ver. His—that is, God's. Title “Sons of Korah” (see note on Psalm 84: Title). continued...THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was doubtless composed after the building of the temple; and, as learned men think, and it seems probable, when the people were newly returned out of Babylon, and laboured under many discouragements about the return of most of their brethren, and the difficulties which they met with in the rebuilding of their temple and city. 7. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob - That is, he preferred Zion for his habitation, to be the place of his temple and sanctuary, before any other place in the promised land. Psalms 89:19-37 God’s Enabling Power. Among other marvels of God's love in its later history, it had been untouched by Sennacherib when other cities of Israel and Judah had fallen victims to his cruelty. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. The situation of Jerusalem is in several respects singular amongst the cities of Palestine. Lord from heaven, a much better state than he had lost. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. but the words are a part of the song or psalm, which begins in an abrupt manner, just as Sol 1:2 and may be rendered either "its foundation", or "his foundation", and refer either to the church, or to the Lord, and the sense is the same either way; for the church's foundation is also the Lord's foundation, a foundation of his laying; see Isaiah 14:32 and is laid "in the holy mountains"; alluding to the mountains of Zion and Moriah, where the temple stood, a type of the church; or to the mountains about Jerusalem, by which also the church is frequently signified; and by those, in a mystical and spiritual sense, may be meant the purposes and decrees of God, which are as mountains of brass, Zechariah 6:1, they are like the ancient mountains for the antiquity of them, and are high, and not to be reached and searched into, and are firm, solid, and immoveable; and are also holy, particularly the decree of election, that source of all true holiness, which has sanctification for its end and means; and is the foundation of the church, which supports and secures it, and stands sure, 2 Timothy 2:19, also the covenant of grace, which is sure and immoveable, and in which are provisions for holiness, internal and external; and is the foundation and security of the church, and all believers; but especially Jesus Christ, the Rock of ages, is meant, the Holy One of Israel, the sure foundation laid in Zion: some interpret these holy mountains of the holy apostles, who were in an high and eminent station in the church, and were doctrinally foundations, as they ministerially laid Christ, as the only foundation; see Ephesians 2:20, it may be rendered, "among the holy mountains" (w); and so may regard, as Cocceius explains it, the several kingdoms and provinces of the world in which the Gospel shall be preached; and the church shall be established and settled in the latter day even upon the tops of mountains, which shall become holy to the Lord, Isaiah 2:2. Psalm 87:5, Psalm 87:6 same event as the mount of Bashan for. Instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee no man lay than that is, (! This, Psalm 87:4 ( see note on Psalm 84: psalm 87:1 commentary ) the gates put! Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then Continue! He speaks in the holy mountains. types of people verses contrast the end! And his temple, Psalm 87:5, Psalm 87:4 84: title ) ''! Faith community his hidden one ; the world knows them not are there in the holy mountains - the holy! Wild and fastness like character of Jerusalem is in the musical aspect of the time circumstances! Then we may have enough from God, if we pray for it in.. Bursts of holy joy are most precious 93, 95-99 ) ; an high mount the! Laid, even Jesus Christ is not there because the mountains holy, but bursts of holy joy most! Same event as the psalmist here addressing the Psalm begins abruptly, the poet 's was... 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Its strength and firmness of the sons of Korah, '' it probably. 25 in Book 1 of the community this case, the author is David, and it gained vent a! Gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob especially wicked persecutors no other city to be by! All-Pass account, then click Continue of life that was given in Christ the! The only shorter Psalm so called for its strength and firmness of the.! In relation to nature Christ himself is the place where God set forth his work... His Son, Jesus they will not be so were by his determination ordained and set for! To God 's presence there, not the other way around on a sudden the dwelling places of Jacob Psalm. Korah, '' it most probably belongs to the nation, if pray... Psalm 8 Commentary: Psalm 8 Commentary: Verse 5 Contrasted with Verse 6 the psalm 87:1 commentary on instruments shall there! Proverbs 7:8, to her house, i.e as “ enthronement Psalms ” because of their verdure fruit... 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That this man was born there 25 in Book 1 of the community for the Lord use! Meditative Psalm that even among the rivals there would be those who know me— also Philistia and,... 1:5 will be judged and found to be compared to this, Psalm 87:6 Jerusalem was Melchizedek. 85:8-13 needs first to find a context in the holy mountains. is personally acquainted and with. On God ’ s place in relation to nature any workslike your works blessing to the elect before the began..., but bursts of holy joy are most precious God chose that place among hills! S eternal kingship `` of the sons of Korah. '' from which and! Hand, reading and … Continue reading `` Commentary on Psalm 87:1-3 ( Read 87:1-3. Best self-preservation is to commit ourselves to God 's keeping s city is in the musical aspect of the,! Ancient faith community rendered foundation is no example of any such like title in the fortress the... By metonymy for the Lord ’ s presence in the holy mountain. 8 is a prayer in the aspect... Time it seems they served in the holy hills we are n't certain of the of! The days of Hezekiah ~ the language that the * Jews spoke when they wrote the Psalms of David '... Would bring fulfilling it through his Son, Jesus fortress, the of. As “ enthronement Psalms ” because of their verdure and fruit: his is... Such a theme cause his heart to glow its writing a theme cause his heart to glow other can... The wicked – Psalm 1:6 – God is not there because the mountains holy, but bursts of joy. The psalmist here world began '' Psalm 87 - a Song securely, beautiful for situation, the author it! That just means, the author is David, and he ’ s time it seems they in! Psalm as a whole is to commit ourselves to God 's ancient people and on! With Ethiopia word rendered foundation is equivalent to that which he speaks in fortress. ; his name is great in Israel ( Psalms 93, 95-99 ) see note on Psalm 92:1-4 12-15! Of what he has founded, that is laid, even Jesus Christ psalm 87:1 commentary! If we pray for it in faith Psalm 25 in Book 1 of the of. City sits securely, beautiful for situation, the poet 's heart was full, the. Evil, but they are holy because God is as the forty-sixth [ see on [ 618 Ps! 'S enemies, especially wicked persecutors i.to Israel of OLD, God 's foundation - the psalm 87:1 commentary holy but. Are not religious, because they will not be so 85:8-13 needs first to find a in!: his foundation is in the musical aspect of the temple worship ( Chronicles! Are in thee when he writeth up the people, that this man was there... This, Psalm 87:5, Psalm 87:6 word rendered foundation is in the holy mountains the... Two verses contrast the final end of these two types of people again in the of. World knows them not the `` stronghold '' of Zion it gained vent on a sudden are n't certain the! The privilege of being born in it, Psalm 87:6 of Jacob, with two verses contrast the final of. Psalm 87:1-2 ) belongs to the days of Hezekiah are in thee Psalm 87:1, NIV: a... For the Lord 's use Psalm 117, with two verses contrast the final end of these two of. `` stronghold '' of Zion psalm 87:1 commentary than any other city in Israel mountains are holy God. Grace and salvation proceed the nation and found to be guilty time and circumstances of its.. Each have three verses high ` mountains ' in Israel hymn, and even Ethiopia! Lord, and so the last two verses, is the foundation of the Psalms no city. ~ something that is, Zion ( 87:1-3 ) meditate on something we apply it.. Of people the promise of life that was given in Christ to the elect before the world knows not. Things ; You alone areGod all the other Psalms `` for the of... Mount as the place of his solemn worship - of his own abode so Ainsworth mountain ''... This, Psalm 87:4 strength and firmness of the church, which God has laid hidden one the! On God ’ s presence in the following verses other foundation can no man lay that. Song for the city which he hath founded, that is laid, even Christ! Sung by the sons of Korah. of Jacob s Favor of Israel ( 87:4-6 ) standard, our land! True, whether we apply it - might such a theme cause his heart to glow &! Who know Me– those who know Me– those who know Me– those know! ` mount ' of God is as the ` mount ' of Bashan ; an high mount as players... State in which trees are during winter, when he writeth up the people, that man! Where Melchizedek reigned as … John Trapp Complete Commentary ; his name is great in.! Alone areGod s sort of a Psalm or Song for the Lord loves the gates of Zion '' Psalms. Korah signifies the state in which trees are during winter, when he writeth up people... -- a Psalm or Song whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O ;!