Psalm 87, Citizenship in Zion

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

Psalm 87:1-3, Gates of Zion 

 He has set his foundation on the holy mountain;

the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God:

Selah.

The Sons of Korah boast of God's provision in Jerusalem, of His choice there for the City of God. 

Psalm 87:4, Rahab and his kin

 "I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me-- 

Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush-- 

and will say, `This one was born in Zion.'"

Selah.

Rahab is the sea monster, often a poetic word for Egypt (says Alter.) All the foreign nations, Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush, will acknowledge the importance of citizenship in Zion. There is a hint that some of the foreigners (like Ruth, Ruth 1:22) might seek citizenship there.

Psalm 87: 5, Born there!

 Indeed, of Zion it will be said, 

"This one and that one were born in her, 

and the Most High himself will establish her."

"I was born there!" says the psalmist. Just as later Paul will boast of Roman citizenship (Acts 22:28) and I am pleased to have a USA passport, even better is a record of membership in Zion!

Psalm 87:6-7, Source of Living Water

 The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion."

 As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."

Zion takes on an eternal, supernatural realm as YHWH writes, "This one is a member of my kingdom." In the New Testament this will be fleshed out as a coming kingdom (Galatians 4:26, Hebrews 11:13-16.) In a desert culture, it is a great blessing to be the source of springs of water. (See John 7:38 for Jesus's statement on this.)