87
A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.
1 The Lord founded the city on his holy mountain.
2 Jerusalem is the city that the Lord loves more than any other city in Israel.* “Israel”: literally, Jacob.
3 Many wonderful things are said of you, city of God! Selah.
4 I mention Egypt† Literally, “Rahab.” and Babylon as those who know me, and in addition Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—“this man was born there.”‡ The meaning of this verse is debated. What it seems to be saying is that despite the patriotism for each country/city mentioned, the best is to be born in Jerusalem. (See following verse.)
5 It will be said concerning Jerusalem, “Everyone was born there,”§ In other words, everyone will have the right to citizenship in Jerusalem. and the Most High will make it secure.
6 When the Lord registers the nations, he will write, “They were born there.”* In Jerusalem. Selah.
7 Singers and dancers alike say, “Living here I am at home.”† Literally, “All of my springs are in you.”
*87:2 “Israel”: literally, Jacob.
†87:4 Literally, “Rahab.”
‡87:4 The meaning of this verse is debated. What it seems to be saying is that despite the patriotism for each country/city mentioned, the best is to be born in Jerusalem. (See following verse.)
§87:5 In other words, everyone will have the right to citizenship in Jerusalem.
*87:6 In Jerusalem.
†87:7 Literally, “All of my springs are in you.”