Psalms
Chapter 87
This short psalm is a song about Zion, the hill city of Jerusalem. It says God founded the city and loves it, and that great things are said about it. Then it names foreign nations — Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia — and says God will list people from all of them as born in Zion. It ends with singers and musicians celebrating there.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
1God built his city on the holy hills.
2The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2The LORD loves the gates of Zion, the city of Jerusalem, more than any other place where Jacob's family lives.
3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
3Wonderful things are said about you, city of God. Selah.
"Selah" is a Hebrew word left untranslated. It was probably a direction for the music, like a pause or a signal to the players.
4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
4God says, "I will name Rahab and Babylon among the people who know me. Look at Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia too. Of each one I will say, 'This person was born in Zion.'"
"Rahab" here is a poetic nickname for Egypt. It is not the woman named Rahab in the book of Joshua.
5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
5And people will say about Zion, "This one and that one were born here." God Most High himself will make the city strong.
6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
6When the LORD writes down the list of the peoples, he will record, "This one was born there." Selah.
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
7Singers and people playing instruments will be there. They will sing, "All my springs come from you."
A "spring" is a place where fresh water comes up out of the ground. In a dry land, springs meant life and gladness, so the line means all my joy and life come from you.
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