Summary: Those who oppose Israel now will rejoice in Christ’s kingdom on earth.

Discussion:

Psalm 87 is about Zion, which symbolizes the heavenly government and rulers of God’s kingdom. Isaiah 2:2-3 (NIV), “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. All nations will stream to it,…For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Consider also, Hebrews 12:22 (CSB), “…you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels,”

Jesus is the cornerstone in Zion.1 Peter 2:6 (ESV), “…I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

And the Bride of Christ is with Jesus in heaven. Revelation 14:1 (ESV), “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.”

Returning to Psalm 87:1-3 (NIV),  “He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God:” This is the New Jerusalem, Christ’s kingdom established on earth. 

Verses 4 and 5, “I will record Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon among those who acknowledge me–Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush–and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’ Indeed, of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’” 

Who is born in Zion? The Bride of Christ receives a heavenly resurrection with immortality, glory, and power. (1 Corinthians 15:43, 53)  These were all sinners, but were redeemed and overcame the world, the fallen flesh, and the devil through Jesus Christ. 

Some of mankind (Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush) may wonder, who in heavenly Zion will not condemn me? I am from Israel’s enemies. I was a heathen. This scripture, Psalm 87:4, teaches there will be some in the Church who were from these nations. They will indeed be sympathetic priests and kings. (Revelation 5:10)

Verse 6, “The LORD will write in the register (census)of the peoples: ‘This one was born in Zion.’” It will be known in the census of the nations that some were born in Zion.

Verse 7, “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’” The whole earth will rejoice as they drink of the water of life. Revelation 22: 17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”