Overview

Psalm 87 is a short, yet powerful psalm that celebrates the greatness and divine selection of Zion as the place where God dwells. The psalmist sings of God’s love for the city of Jerusalem, which is highlighted as the spiritual center of God’s redemptive work. While Israel is the chosen nation, the psalm extends a prophetic vision that all nations, even those traditionally enemies of Israel, will one day recognize Zion’s significance. Theologically, the psalm underscores God’s sovereignty in choosing Zion, the inclusion of the nations in God’s plan, and the ultimate fulfillment of this vision through the work of Christ. This psalm points forward to the New Jerusalem, where God’s reign will be fully realized, and people from every nation will come to worship and honor God. It affirms the inerrant authority of Scripture by portraying God’s plan for His kingdom and His desire for all nations to come to Him.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 87 is written by the “Sons of Korah,” a group of Levitical singers who were involved in the temple worship of Israel. The psalm is classified as a royal psalm, which speaks to God’s kingship and His special relationship with Zion. Historically, the psalm was likely written during the time of Israel’s kingdom when Jerusalem, and particularly the temple, was seen as the focal point of God’s presence and reign. The city of Zion, or Jerusalem, was chosen by God as the place where His name would dwell (2 Samuel 7:16), and it was central to Israel’s worship and identity.

Theologically, this psalm reflects both an immediate and a prophetic significance. It highlights the historical importance of Jerusalem for Israel, but it also points toward the future inclusion of all nations in God’s redemptive plan. The “nations” mentioned, including Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, and Philistia, represent those who would traditionally be considered outside of God’s covenant people. This foreshadows the gospel’s spread to the Gentiles, a fulfillment realized in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the expansion of the early church.

The psalm has a clear eschatological undertone, anticipating the ultimate gathering of God’s people from all nations in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24). This psalm, therefore, stands as both a celebration of God’s present work in Zion and a prophecy of the inclusive nature of His redemptive mission.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

• God’s Sovereignty in Choosing Zion: Psalm 87 exalts Zion as the place of God’s choosing. God has established Zion as the central location of His presence, affirming His sovereign will in selecting this city as the seat of His kingdom. This theme is rooted in the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, which affirms that God is the supreme ruler over all creation, and His choices in salvation and governance are unchangeable and purposeful. In the New Testament, this idea finds its fulfillment in the church, which is established as the new “Zion” where God’s people gather in worship and community (Hebrews 12:22).
• The Inclusion of the Nations in God’s Redemptive Plan: The psalm declares that people from all nations will come to Zion and acknowledge God’s sovereignty. This theme highlights the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan, which extends beyond Israel to all nations. In evangelical theology, this aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. The inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family is fulfilled through the work of Christ, who broke down the barriers between Jew and Gentile and made salvation available to all (Ephesians 2:14-18).
• The Glory of Zion and God’s Kingdom: Zion is portrayed as a city of glory, where God’s presence dwells and where people from all nations are gathered. This theme points to the kingdom of God, a central motif in both the Old and New Testaments. Zion, as the city of God, foreshadows the future fulfillment of God’s eternal kingdom, where His reign will be unchallenged, and all nations will bow before Him. In the New Testament, this is realized in the reign of Christ, who now rules over the spiritual kingdom of God, which will one day be fully realized in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-4).
• The Image of God’s People as “Born in Zion”: Psalm 87 speaks of those born in Zion, a phrase that symbolizes spiritual regeneration and inclusion in God’s family. This theme touches upon the doctrine of regeneration, where people are spiritually reborn through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. The New Testament reaffirms this theme, stating that all believers are born again by the Spirit (John 3:5-6, 1 Peter 1:3). The concept of being “born in Zion” points to the spiritual birth that occurs when individuals are incorporated into God’s kingdom through faith in Christ.
• The Blessing and Restoration of God’s People: The psalm emphasizes that Zion is not only the place of God’s presence but also the place where His people experience His blessing. This blessing is not limited to physical prosperity but extends to spiritual renewal and restoration. Through Christ, all who come to faith experience God’s restorative love, which leads to salvation, peace, and eternal life. This theme speaks to the comprehensive nature of God’s love, which restores and blesses His people, bringing them into His eternal kingdom.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 87 anticipates the broader redemptive story by highlighting the inclusion of all nations in God’s eternal plan. Zion, the city of God’s presence, symbolizes the spiritual kingdom that Christ inaugurates in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Jerusalem was the physical center of God’s presence, but in the coming of Christ, this presence transcends a geographical location and becomes realized through Christ’s body, the Church. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, affirmed that God’s salvation would be extended to all people, not just to the Jews. Jesus’ mission to redeem the nations, as proclaimed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), fulfills the prophetic vision of Psalm 87 where people from every nation will one day acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty and come to His holy city.

Furthermore, the reference to those “born in Zion” can be understood as pointing to the new birth through Christ. In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual birth is not a natural birth from a physical location, but a rebirth through the work of the Holy Spirit, which Christ made possible through His death and resurrection. Thus, the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 87’s vision of Zion being populated by all nations is realized through Christ, who brings spiritual restoration and access to God’s kingdom for every believer, regardless of their earthly nationality.

How the Chapter Connects to the Father

Psalm 87 highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing Zion as the place of His dwelling and blessing. This selection reflects the Father’s sovereign will in determining the place where His name would be honored and where His people would experience His presence. In the broader narrative of Scripture, the Father’s purpose is not only to redeem Israel but to bring the nations into His fold. In the New Testament, we see the Father’s will fulfilled in Jesus, who opens the door for the Gentiles to be included in God’s redemptive plan. The Father’s love and provision are seen in how He orchestrated the sending of His Son to make salvation available to all peoples, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 87.

This connection to the Father is deeply relational. The psalm emphasizes Zion as a place where God’s people gather, which in the New Testament is fulfilled in the church, the body of believers. The Father desires all to come to the knowledge of His truth and to be part of His kingdom. This is part of God’s redemptive work of calling a people to Himself, and through Christ, the Father extends His invitation to all nations, inviting them into the fellowship of His kingdom. The Father’s heart is seen in this desire for reconciliation and inclusion.

How the Chapter Connects to the Holy Spirit

Psalm 87 points to the expansive vision of God’s kingdom, where people from every nation are drawn to Zion. This ultimately points to the work of the Holy Spirit, who draws people to Christ and enables the new birth necessary for entrance into God’s kingdom. In John 3:5-6, Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The spiritual birth of those “born in Zion” as depicted in Psalm 87 can only be realized through the Holy Spirit’s regenerative work in the hearts of believers.

The Holy Spirit is also at work in the expansion of God’s kingdom. While Psalm 87 speaks of nations coming to Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals how the Holy Spirit empowers the Church to bring the gospel to all people. The spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, beginning with Pentecost (Acts 2) and continuing through the mission of the apostles, is the fulfillment of the invitation extended in Psalm 87. The Holy Spirit’s work is integral in the global call to salvation, enabling believers to take the message of Christ’s redemptive work to the ends of the earth, thus bringing the nations to God’s holy city.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 87 reveals God’s love for the world in a profound way. The chapter portrays God’s heart for the nations, indicating that His kingdom is not limited to Israel but is open to all peoples. This expansion of God’s kingdom to the Gentiles is an expression of God’s love, showing that He desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. The inclusion of Egypt, Babylon, and Philistia, traditional enemies of Israel, demonstrates the radical nature of God’s love, which breaks down barriers and extends grace even to those who were once considered outsiders.

God’s love is also seen in the restoration and blessing He bestows upon His people, particularly in Zion. Zion is not just a physical place but a symbol of God’s presence and His redemptive plan for His people. It is in Zion that God blesses His people, and through Christ, believers are invited into that place of spiritual blessing. The ultimate expression of God’s love is seen in the gospel, where He offers salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background or past. This love is not passive but actively seeks out those who are far off, calling them into relationship with Himself and restoring what was lost.

In summary, Psalm 87 underscores the expansive nature of God’s love. It points to the future reality of the church, where people from every nation are gathered to worship God, and it reflects the heart of God to redeem and restore humanity through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. This chapter invites us to reflect on the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, reminding us of His sovereign plan to bring people from every nation into His eternal fellowship.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “God’s Expansive Kingdom: A Call to All Nations”

Introduction:

• Begin with a reflection on how humanity often limits the scope of who can be part of God’s kingdom. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that salvation is only for a select group or that God’s grace is confined to certain people or nations.
• Introduce Psalm 87 as a declaration of God’s inclusive love, where His kingdom extends to all nations. In this psalm, we find God’s vision of a global church where all nations are invited to be part of His kingdom.
• Lead into the question: What does it mean to be part of God’s kingdom today, and how does this psalm point us to the redemptive work of Christ?

Main Point 1: God’s Sovereign Plan to Include All Nations (Psalm 87:1-3)

• Explanation: The psalmist starts by describing the city of God, Zion, as a place of God’s special presence and blessing. God’s sovereignty is shown as He calls all nations to His city.
• Cross-Reference: Revelation 7:9, which shows the fulfillment of this vision in the heavenly gathering of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
• Application: Emphasize that God’s kingdom is not bound by borders or ethnicities. It’s global, inviting all people into His presence.
• Illustration: Use the example of the church today, which, despite its geographical and cultural differences, shares the same message of salvation and unity in Christ. Think of missionaries or Christian leaders from different countries who contribute to a shared mission.

Main Point 2: The Call to Spiritual Rebirth Through Christ (Psalm 87:4-6)

• Explanation: The psalmist lists the nations who will one day call Zion their home, showing how God’s kingdom will encompass the entire world. This is a spiritual birth, as those “born in Zion” are granted citizenship in God’s kingdom.
• Cross-Reference: John 3:5-7, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born of the Spirit to enter God’s kingdom.
• Application: Discuss how entrance into God’s kingdom requires spiritual rebirth, not just physical proximity to a geographical place. The new birth comes through faith in Christ.
• Illustration: Share a story of someone who came to Christ later in life, experiencing a spiritual rebirth. Show how this connects with the concept of being born again in Zion.

Main Point 3: Christ as the Fulfillment of God’s Kingdom Vision (Psalm 87:7)

• Explanation: Verse 7 looks forward to a time when worshipers will be united in praising God. This is the ultimate purpose of God’s kingdom — worship and glory.
• Cross-Reference: Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, showing how Christ fulfills Psalm 87’s vision of global worship.
• Application: Encourage the congregation to see their role in God’s kingdom mission. They are part of the larger narrative of God’s global kingdom that Christ inaugurated.
• Illustration: Use the analogy of an orchestra, where each instrument (representing believers from all nations) plays its part in creating a beautiful harmony that praises the Creator.

Transition to Conclusion:

• As we reflect on God’s sovereign plan to bring the nations into His kingdom, we must ask: How do we live as participants in this global kingdom today?

Conclusion and Call to Action:

• Summary: Psalm 87 presents the grandeur of God’s global kingdom and His desire to bring all nations to Himself. This is made possible through Christ, whose sacrifice made room for every tribe and tongue to enter into God’s eternal city.
• Call to Action: Challenge the congregation to actively engage in the global mission of the church. Whether through prayer, support for missionaries, or personal evangelism, we all play a part in God’s kingdom expansion.
• Prayer: Pray for a greater understanding of God’s global kingdom and a heart that seeks to spread His gospel to all nations.

Illustrations and Examples

• Global Church: Imagine a worship service where people from different nations, speaking different languages, sing the same hymn to the same God. This is a glimpse of the kingdom of God. The church on earth today is a reflection of this reality that Psalm 87 anticipates. Consider the global impact of missionaries such as William Carey or modern figures like Jackie Pullinger, who brought the gospel to remote areas of the world, participating in the expansion of God’s kingdom.
• The Power of Rebirth: Consider the transformation of Saul of Tarsus into Paul the Apostle. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced a spiritual rebirth on the road to Damascus. This conversion story illustrates the new birth that Jesus spoke about in John 3. The global kingdom is made up of people who have been spiritually reborn through faith in Christ.

Application for Today’s Christian

• Discipleship: Just as Psalm 87 emphasizes the global nature of God’s kingdom, Christians today must embrace the mission to make disciples of all nations. The Great Commission calls every believer to share the gospel locally and globally, participating in God’s redemptive plan. Consider how you can be a part of reaching the nations — whether by going, sending, or supporting.
• Stewardship: The invitation to God’s kingdom is an invitation to stewardship of the gospel. How are you using your time, talents, and resources to advance the kingdom of God? This could involve supporting missionary efforts, engaging in global mission opportunities, or even praying for people groups who have never heard the gospel.
• Living Out Our Faith: The global church is a visible sign of God’s kingdom on earth. As members of His kingdom, Christians are called to live out values of unity, holiness, and justice in their everyday lives. In Psalm 87, the worship of God is central. Christians today must prioritize worship, both in personal devotion and in corporate gatherings, as a reflection of the ultimate worship that will take place in God’s kingdom.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Psalm 87 challenge my view of the church and its mission? Am I actively engaged in God’s global mission?
2. What does it mean for me to be “born in Zion”? How does this affect my identity as a believer and my role in God’s kingdom?
3. In what ways can I contribute to the expansion of God’s kingdom in my own community and beyond?
4. How does the global nature of God’s kingdom inspire my worship of Him? How can I better align my life with the kingdom values that Psalm 87 highlights?