Psalms 87
What Happens in This Chapter
This is a song about Zion, the city of Jerusalem where God's temple stood. God loves this city and has built it on the holy hills. The song says people from many far-off lands will be counted as born in Zion, listed by God like names in a book. It ends with singers and musicians celebrating there.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
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. He loves them 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 music word in the Psalms. Nobody today knows for sure what it meant. It may have marked a pause or a change in the music.
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 and Tyre and Cush too. I will say, 'This one was born in Zion.'"
"Rahab" here is a nickname for Egypt. It is not the woman named Rahab in the book of Joshua. Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush were other lands near Israel.
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.
The King James Bible says "this and that man." It means any person at all, women as well as men.
6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
6The LORD keeps a list of the people. He will write down, "This one was born in Zion." Selah.
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
7Singers and people playing pipes will be there. They will sing, "All my springs of joy are in you."
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