Psalm 87:5 – “Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her,’ and the Most High himself will establish her.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 87:5 proclaims that people will say of Zion, “This one and that one were born in her.” This verse highlights the special significance of being associated with Zion, which is another name for Jerusalem, the city where God chose to dwell among His people. Here, the focus is not on physical birth but on spiritual belonging. The psalmist celebrates the fact that people from various backgrounds are being spiritually reborn as citizens of Zion.
The second part of the verse, “the Most High himself will establish her,” emphasizes that Zion’s strength and significance come directly from God. It’s not because of the city’s walls or its people’s power but because of God’s divine presence and favor. The Lord Himself is the one who secures Zion, making it a place of spiritual refuge and belonging for all who turn to Him.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, Jerusalem (Zion) was more than just a capital city—it was the center of worship, where the temple stood and where the people of Israel gathered to meet with God. The idea of being “born in Zion” would have originally referred to those who were born into the nation of Israel and, by extension, into the covenant relationship with God.
However, Psalm 87 was written with a forward-looking perspective, hinting at a time when even those who were not born in Jerusalem would be counted as its children. This was revolutionary because it included people from surrounding nations, symbolizing God’s plan to expand His blessings beyond Israel to all the nations.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the idea of spiritual rebirth and adoption into God’s family. To be “born in Zion” is a metaphor for being brought into a covenant relationship with God. The verse implies that it’s not physical descent that matters but spiritual rebirth. This anticipates the New Testament message that through faith in Jesus Christ, all people, regardless of their background, can become children of God.
God’s promise to establish Zion reflects His faithfulness and sovereignty. It’s a reminder that God is the one who builds His kingdom, and He does so by bringing people from all walks of life into a relationship with Him. This verse encourages believers to see themselves as spiritually born into God’s family, with the rights and privileges that come with being God’s children.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 87:5 uses poetic language to convey deep spiritual truths. The repetition of the phrase “This one and that one were born in her” highlights the inclusivity of Zion’s new citizens. The psalmist uses this repetition to emphasize that people from various backgrounds will be acknowledged as being born in Zion, indicating a kind of spiritual equality.
The phrase “the Most High himself will establish her” is a powerful declaration of God’s authority. The use of the title “Most High” emphasizes God’s supreme power, reminding us that He alone is the one who builds, sustains, and secures His people. The literary structure of the psalm celebrates Zion not just as a city, but as a symbol of God’s everlasting kingdom.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 56:7 – “These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
- John 1:12-13 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
- Galatians 4:26 – “But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.”
These cross-references highlight God’s intention to include people from every nation in His covenant family through faith in Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 87:5 is a powerful reminder of our spiritual identity. It reassures us that through faith in Jesus Christ, we are counted as citizens of God’s kingdom. It doesn’t matter where we come from or what our past looks like; in God’s eyes, we are born anew into His family.
The verse also speaks to the security we have in God. Just as God established Zion, He establishes His people today. We can have confidence that our relationship with God is not based on our own efforts but on His faithfulness. This gives believers hope and assurance that they are fully accepted by God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 87:5 beautifully reflects God’s loving and inclusive nature. God’s desire is to welcome people from every background, adopting them into His family. His love is not exclusive to one group but extends to all who seek Him. This verse shows that God values each person who acknowledges Him, giving them a place of belonging in His spiritual family.
God’s love is further demonstrated by the fact that He is the one who establishes Zion. It’s a picture of God taking responsibility for the well-being and security of His people. Just as a loving parent ensures a safe home for their children, God establishes His people in a place of spiritual safety and security.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 87:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God has made a way for all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—to be part of His kingdom. Jesus spoke of this inclusiveness in John 10:16, where He said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the promise of Psalm 87:5 is realized. Believers in Christ are spiritually “born in Zion,” meaning they are part of God’s eternal kingdom. In Hebrews 12:22-23, we read, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem… to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”
Jesus is the cornerstone of this new spiritual Zion, and through Him, all believers are established and secured in God’s kingdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for you personally to be spiritually “born in Zion”?
- How does knowing that God establishes His people give you confidence in your relationship with Him?
- In what ways can you reflect God’s inclusive love to those who may feel like outsiders?
- How does this verse challenge you to see others as potential members of God’s family, regardless of their background?
- How can you live in a way that reflects your identity as a citizen of God’s kingdom?
These questions are designed to help you think more deeply about how Psalm 87:5 applies to your life and how you can live out its message in practical ways.