The big picture
Psalms 87 opens in verse 1 with “His foundation is in the holy mountains.”, reaches its middle movement near verse 4 with “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and…”, and closes in verse 7 with “As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in…” Repeated or prominent terms include born, LORD, Selah, Zion, Babylon. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Psalms · King James Version · 7Psalms 87:1-7
1–7: His foundation is in the holy mountains.
Psalms 87:1–7 opens with “His foundation is in the holy mountains.” and reaches “As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on the wording and movement of this passage, with particular weight carried by born, LORD, Selah.
Context that brings the passage to life
“His foundation is in the holy mountains.” Naming His keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Naming Jacob and Zion keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 87:1-7
King James Version1His foundation is in the holy mountains.
2The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
7As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Psalms 87:1 begins with “His foundation is in the holy mountains.”
Where the chapter turns
Psalms 87:4 forms a natural hinge: “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.”
The final note
Psalms 87:7 leaves the reader with “As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words born, LORD, Selah, Zion, Babylon, city help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- behold
- look, or pay close attention
- thee
- you
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.