Psalm 87: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 87 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God's foundation is in the holy mountains (v. 1). Yahweh expresses His love for Zion's gates more than for Jacob's dwellings (v. 2). Glorious things are spoken about Zion, the city of God (v. 3). The psalmist records nations like Rahab and Babylon alongside those who acknowledge Yahweh, including Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, noting, ‘This one was born there’ (v. 4). Zion is recognized as a birthplace for many, with Yahweh establishing her (v. 5). When Yahweh counts the peoples, He acknowledges those born in Zion (v. 6). People sing and dance, declaring, ‘All my springs are in you’ (v. 7).

Key verse

“Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.”
Psalms 87:2 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 87:1 God's Foundation in Zion
Psalm 87:2 Divine Favor for Zion
Psalm 87:3 Celebration of Zion
Psalm 87:4 Inclusivity of Nations
Psalm 87:5 Birthplace of God's People
Psalm 87:6 Counting the Nations
Psalm 87:7 Joy in Zion

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh love more than all the dwellings of Jacob?
What are the 'glorious things' mentioned in v3 about the city of God?
Rahab and Babylon in v4: why are these mentioned among those who acknowledge God?
In v5, what does it mean that 'the Most High himself will establish' Zion?
How do you relate to the phrase 'All my springs are in you' from v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 87: Psalm 48, Psalm 46, Psalm 68.

Before next time: read Psalm 88.