F2 N1 1,2. Other dwellings spoken of.
O1 3. Zion spoken to.
N2 4. Other nations spoken of.
O2 5. Zion spoken to.
N3 6. Other peoples spoken of.
O3 7. Zion spoken to.
(This title is repeated in the sub-scription after v.7, to emphasize the occasion of its use in bringing up the Ark to Zion by David [951 B.C. a Sabbatical year])
Psalm 87)
1 His (i.e. Yahaveh's [which He has laid in Zion]) foundation is in the holy mountains.
2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob. (Israel viewed in connection with the natural seed, and with material blessing. See Gen. 32:28; 43:6; 45:26,28.)
3 Glorious things are spoken of You,
O city of the [true] God. Selah. (Connecting the 1st alternation with the 2nd, showing that it is to be a repeated alternation.)
4 I will make mention of Rahab (= pride, haughtiness. Used as a name for Egypt, as in 89:10; Isa. 51:9. Cp. Job 9:13 and 26;12, not the same word as in Joshua 2) and Babylon to them that know me:
Behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia [say];
This man was born there.
5 And to Zion it shall be said, "This and that man was born in her:
And the Most High (Elyon) Himself shall establish her."
6 The LORD shall count, when He enrolls the peoples,
[And say] this one was born there. Selah. (Connecting the last repetition of the alternation, and completing the Structure. Thus, both the Selahs in this Psalm are structural.)
7 As well as they that shout and they that dance (as bringing up the Ark) shall [say of Zion]:
All my fountains (i.e. fountains of delight) are in You.
(2 Sam. 6:12-15; and 1 Chron. 15:25-29. As in Judg. 21:21,23.)