Psalm 87
The Joy of Living in Zion
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Intro
Psalm 87 is a song of praise that celebrates Zion as the dwelling place of God. It also speaks of God's love for Zion and the joy of being its citizens. In the light of the New Covenant, Zion can be seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly city and the church, with Jesus as its cornerstone.
Section 1: The Lord's Love for Zion (Verses 1-3)
"On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah"
Harmony
The love that the Lord shows for Zion parallels His love for His kingdom children, which He has founded on the cornerstone of Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22). The New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, is described in Revelation 21 as a glorious city of God.
Talking Points
The Lord's special love for Zion as His dwelling place.
The connection between Zion and the church as the community of believers, built upon Jesus.
The glorious things spoken of Zion and their fulfillment in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem.
Questions
What does it mean to say that the Lord loves Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob?
How can we understand the church, founded on Christ, in light of God's love for Zion?
How does the description of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation relate to the glorious things spoken of Zion?
Section 2: The Inclusion of the Nations (Verses 4-6)
"Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—'This one was born there,' they say. And of Zion it shall be said, 'This one and that one were born in her'; for the Most High himself will establish her. The Lord records as he registers the peoples, 'This one was born there.' Selah"
Harmony
The inclusion of the nations in Zion foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who draws people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into the family of God (Revelation 7:9-10).
Talking Points
The surprising inclusion of foreign nations in Zion.
The universality of the gospel that includes all nations in the family of God.
The Lord's role in establishing Zion and its New Covenant fulfillment in the establishment of the church.
Questions
Why is it significant that the psalmist mentions these particular nations as being part of Zion?
How does this psalm anticipate the universal reach of the gospel?
How do we see the Lord's hand in establishing both Zion and the church?
Section 3: The Joy of Being a Citizen of Zion (Verse 7)
"Singers and dancers alike say, 'All my springs are in you.'"
Harmony
The joy of being a citizen of Zion is fully realized in Christ, who is the source of living water, or "springs" (John 4:14). In Him, believers find the fullness of joy (John 15:11).
Talking Points
The joy expressed by the citizens of Zion.
The abundant life and joy found in Christ, the source of living water.
The anticipation of ultimate joy in the New Jerusalem.
Questions
How does the joy expressed by the citizens of Zion reflect our joy in Christ?
In what ways is Jesus the source of our "springs"?
How does our anticipation of the New Jerusalem inspire joy in our present circumstances?
Summary
Psalm 87 is a celebration of Zion, the city of God, reflecting His love for it and the joy of being its citizens. Through the lens of the New Covenant, we see how this psalm foreshadows the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, and the church, which God has founded on Jesus Christ. The Lord's love for Zion parallels His love for the church, the glorious community of believers built upon the cornerstone of Christ. Moreover, the psalm's mention of nations, traditionally seen as enemies of Israel, anticipates the universal reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who invites all people into His kingdom.
Finally, the joy of being a citizen of Zion points us to the greater joy found in Christ, our source of living water, and the anticipation of the eternal joy in the heavenly city. Thus, Psalm 87 beautifully anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His universal church, providing a glimpse of the joy to be found in the New Jerusalem.