Psalm 87 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Psalm 87 Short Summary:

Psalm 87 is a celebration of the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was God’s favored city among all those in the Promised Land. He exalted the city by His power, and those born within her walls were privileged to say they were born in the City of God.

Psalm 87 Summary

AUTHOR:

• The sons of Korah wrote Psalm 87.

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES:

• No Known New Testament References.

THEMES:

• The city of Jerusalem was special to God, and it would rise to prominence among the nations because of God’s favor.

DEFINITIONS:

• Zion (87:2) - Zion refers to the hill/mountain where David’s palace was built in Jerusalem. This area was on the southeast side of the city. Zion is sometimes used to refer to the city of Jerusalem as a whole.

OUTLINE:

• JERUSALEM, THE GREAT CITY OF GOD (87:1-7):

  • It was God who founded the city of Jerusalem and selected it to be special.

  • He loved the gates of Zion more than any of the other cities in the Promised Land (87:2).

  • It was common for ancient people to pride themselves on being born in a distinguished city or region. They were honored to tell people they had been born in Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, or Cush.

  • The psalmist wrote that God was going to turn Jerusalem into such a city. People would be proud to be from Zion.

  • God was going to elevate the city and make it great. He would honor the people born within her walls.

APPLICATION:

• Jerusalem was not a world class city for most of its life. Jerusalem was only special because God made it special.

• Jerusalem was one of thousands of cities God could have selected.

• It would have been a mistake for the Israelites to think Jerusalem would have been anything without God.

• The city was blessed because God’s favor was on it.

• If we are special, it is because God has made us special.

• It would be a mistake for us to think we would be anything without God (we wouldn’t even exist without God).

• We are alive only because God’s grace and favor have been extended to us for another day.

• Beyond the general grace given to all the living, an even greater grace is extended to those who wish to become sons of God.

• Those who are the sons of God must always remember that we are sons only because of God’s favor.  

• As Jerusalem was not special without God within her walls, so too we are not special apart from the presence of God in us.