Psalm 87 (Listen)
87:1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
Devotional:
“I will make a record of those who know me: Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush–each one was born there.” (Psalm 87:4)
This Psalm speaks about foreign nations being “born” in Zion (Jerusalem). What does that mean? This is referring to the reality that there will be people “born again” into His people from every nation of the world. The list of these nations is interesting, though, in that it includes groups that were often the enemies of God’s people: Rahab is another name for Egypt, Babylon destroyed the kingdom of Judah, and the Philistines constantly fought with Israel. Let us remember God’s global vision for His people and that He can transform anyone, no matter how much they seem opposed to Him.
Pray It: Father, I pray for our mission partners who are at work seeking to bring your gospel to new nations and among new people. Help me to have this same vision, knowing that the gospel is not just for me or those like me, but for those who may even seem today to be your enemy. Amen.
Share it: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.