He saw the truth and he felt something that he could not name. He would not be a fool, but there was no harm in dreaming. And unquestionably, beyond all doubt, the dream and the romance that had lured him to the wilderness were here, hanging over him like the shadows of the great peaks. His heart swelled with emotion when he thought of how the black and incessant despair of the past was gone.”
–Zane Grey (The Rainbow Trail)
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.”
–Psalm 48:1 (NKJV)
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George O. Wood said this in his book on the Psalms regarding Psalm 87, “The original singers of this psalm, the Sons of Korah, often composed music connected with worship in the temple at Jerusalem. They were the praise and worship leaders of their day. Like prophets, in this psalm they speak words beyond their own ability to fully understand. Only in looking back can we now see what the Holy Spirit had in mind when He inspired the Sons of Korah to write it.” Also notice, this is a short psalm, yet it has two occasions to say “Selah.” That should cause us to think and contemplate.
1 — His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2 — The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3 — Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah
4 — “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia; ‘this one was born here.'”
5 — And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; and the Most High Himself shall establish her.”
6 — The LORD will record, when He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.” Selah
7 — Both the singers and the players on the instruments say, “All my springs are in you.” (NKJV)
Jerusalem–a city of strife and war. Jerusalem–a city of division. Jerusalem–a city of struggle between two religions and it draws the attention of a third; it is called the “Holy City.” Yet as Steven Lawson notes, “As the holy city, it represents all that is holy and good in the working of God among his people.” Many may scoff, but Jerusalem will become the reigning city of the world when Jesus establishes His throne.
Look at verse 1 and note the word “foundation.” A foundation is to be stable, firm, long-lasting. The NLT translates verse 1 this way, “On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD.” This is God’s city! The gates are loved for that is where people enter the city. Jerusalem will be the center of worship. Bring to your mind the New Jerusalem–“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” (Revelation 21:2, 10 NKJV)
The people mentioned are no longer enemies, but all–Gentiles–have a place in the city. This Psalm should excite us as the Lord is saying, “This one was born here.” There are no strangers in the city, no aliens, no enemies, but only those of the household of God. Race, ethnic background have no place, only the blood-bought saints of God. In this new city, this holy city, this city of Jerusalem there will be a grand celebration of worship that the world has never seen before. I trust that this little Psalm has given you a new perspective of how God views Jerusalem–our heavenly home.
“With stately towers and bulwarks strong, unrivaled and alone,
Loved theme of many a sacred song, God’s holy city shone.
So fair was Zion’s chosen seat, the glory of all lands.
Yet, fairer, and in strength complete, the Christian church still stands.”
–unknown (similar version by Harriet Auber)