Psalm 87

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by the Korahites.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. God’s foundation is in the holy mountains. (1-3)

A. He loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

B. Glorious things are spoken of the city of God.

II. He will make mention of: (4)

A. Rahab.

B. Babylon.

C. Philistia.

D. Tyre.

E. Ethiopia.

III. Of Zion it shall be said: (5-6)

A. This and that man was born in her.

B. The Highest Himself shall establish her.

C. The Lord will conduct a census of those who were born there.

IV. The psalmist rejoices at this: (7)

A. The singers sing.

B. All those who play instruments play.

C. All his springs are in God.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 87,4 זֶ֜ה יֻלַּד {A} MT, α', σ', Hebr S // def-int: G / midr: T

Ps 87,5 וּלֲצִיּוֹן {A} MT, G, α', σ', θ', Hebr, S, T // def-int: g

Ps 87,7A וְשָׁרִים {B} MT, α', σ', Hebr, T // usu: G, S clav וְשָׂרִים

Ps 87,7B מַעְיָנַי {C} MT, α', σ', Hebr // paraphr: T / err-graph: G, S