INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 87
God was devoted to His people in Jerusalem and also the Gentiles. This psalm, by the Sons of Korah was indeed a Psalm of Celebration - a Festival Psalm looking forward to the glorious future that God had planned for His people and their Holy City, Jerusalem.
Many believe it was written for David's Zion alone. This could have been during Solomon's time, but more than likely at the time of the rebuilding. All are included as "citizens" , even Jeruslam's past enemies, like the Philistines and those who held them in bondage, like the Egyptians and the Babylonians.
It seems to have been written when the Israelites were enjoying a "positive history" when "glorious things were being spoken.
This Psalm celebrates God's identity with HIS PEOPLE. He has rescued us from sin and brought us together as ONE BODY, HIS CHURCH, for His glory and praise. It is one of the "Songs of Zion", together with Psalm 48 and 84, which describe the joy and beauty of Jerusalem, the city.
"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His Holy Mountain, beautiful in elevation, the joy of the earth, Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King." Psalm 48:1&2 (ESV)
"How lovely is your dwelling place O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs, yes faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for the joy of the living God..........Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise.....For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere."
Psalm 84:1,2, 4 & 10a. (ESV)
GOD ESTABLISHED HIS PEOPLE -
Read Verses 1-4, 2 Samuel 5&6, Hebrews 9:11- 10:25
In 2 Samuel 5 & 6 we read how David "took the stronghold of Zion". Jerusalem was the "first rate choice of a capital". It was centrally located and tribally neutral. To the city of David, his new capital, he brings down the Ark of the Covenant in a triumphant celebration - marked with the "exuberance of Jewish worship". Even the king danced with joy.
For the Israelites, the Ark became known as the "dwelling place of God" - the holiest of holies. It represented God's presence and His work of redemption in His land. It was sacred, and not even the Levites were allowed to touch it, which is why they carried it on poles.
* Later the Ark was placed in Solomon temples, as David was not allowed to build it, because he had been a warrior, and God's Temple was to be a foundation of peace. The people offered their sacrifices and worshipped there, yet, a curtain was placed around the Ark, so that no one, except the priests in their "priestly service" could "enter into God's presence".
* In the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus Himself observed the Jewish feasts and Temple rituals, honouring His Father. Even, as a child he taught with great wisdom to the Jewish leaders.
* In Jerusalem, Jesus died for our sins, and it was at this time that the curtain was torn. This curtain divided the Sanctuary (the Ark) from the body of the Temple. Once a year the High Priest passed through to intercede for the people. Now no intermediary was necessary, for we could all have access to the presence of God.
"But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." Hebrews 9:11&12 (NIV)
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV)
* Finally, the Church was born at Pentecost, after Christ was resurrected. The Apostles were sent out from Jerusalem to preach the gospel to the world.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and behold, I am with you always to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18&19 (ECV)
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God, persons from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Revelation 4:9 (ECV)
"God chose His place Zion to centre His redemptive work for the whole world." David Guzik
GOD MAKES HIS ENEMIES TO BE HIS PEOPLE -
Read Verses 5&6; Acts 11:1-18
"I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me. This will be a glorious subject to speak of concerning Zion, that her old foes are newborn and have become her friends, worshipping in the temple of God. EGYPT which oppressed Israel shall become a sister nation and BABYLON in which the Israelites endured captivity shall become a fellow worshipper......Behold, PHILISTIA, TYRE and ETHIOPIA - these also shall bow before the Lord...... they shall not be too far off from salvation." Charles Spurgeon
After speaking about His people - the Israelites, in Jerusalem - God went on to speak of His promised salvation for their enemies. You see God has power to forgive everyone, to extend His grace and mercy to all people.
Babylon was the capital of Assyria, the other "super power" of the day. What do you think the Israelites would have thought when the names of Egypt and Babylon - their places of slavery and bondage, oppression and captivity - were mentioned? What about Philistia, who they had fought with continually, and even captured their Ark, the home of their God. Tyre and Cush were also ancient enemies.
This truth is God can make His own enemies - the Gentiles - into His children and heirs with His Son is amazing. Paul spoke of this often in his ministry.
"For He chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the one He loves."
Ephesians 1:4-6 (ECV)
"So you are no longer a slave, but GOD'S CHILD; and since your are HIS CHILD, you are also HIS HEIR." Galatians 4:7 (ECV)
Remember how Peter was sent to the home of Cornelius the Centurian, a Gentile. He was called in a vision, and went under sufferance, as he felt it was againt Jewish law to associate with Gentiles. God showed him that no one was unclean or impure in His sight, and later when he explained his actions to the other disciples and Christians in Jerusalem, we see he was challenged by this great truth.
"So then, even to the Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life." Acts 11:18 (ECV)
"Our God is a God who makes His enemies to be His people." Ken Puls.
CONCLUSION: GOD'S LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE -
Read Verse 7, Read Zechariah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Zechariah 3:17 (NIV)
This is one of many verses in the Bible that speaks of God's great love for His people. He wants us to draw near to Him and delight in being the children of a loving Father.
As His children we are "vessels of God's mercy and grace", and we too can show forth his love. We can:
* bring light into the darkness.
* change peoples lives and
* be a reflection of His glory.
"OUT OF ZION, THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY, GOD SHINES FORTH." Psalm 50:2 (ECV)
The Holy Bible, "New International Version" (2011) Zondervan
New Testament & Psalms, "English Standard Version" (2016) Gideons
ALEXANDER, Pat & David, (1999), "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", Lion UK.
GUZIK, David, (2020), "Psalm 87 - Citizens of Zion", www.enduringword.com
PULS, Ken, (2013). ""The City of God", Crossway
SPURGEON, Charles (1885) (2021), "The Treasury of David, Commentary on Psalms.", www.Christianity.com
