Psalm 87

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. Korah was a musical family in the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 tribes that made up the original nation of Israel. Levite families worked as priests and worship leaders and assistants for the Jewish nation.

“Zion” is a term of endearment, and another name for Jerusalem. It’s a bit like “The Big Apple” for New York City.

The word in the original language of Hebrew is selah. Bible scholars haven’t figured out what it means yet, so all we can do is guess. It could mean “pause for effect,” “instrumental interlude,” or “choir singing ‘Amen.’” We’re offering a guess instead of selah. Though selah might be the better way to go because it’s always correct, it’s also always incomprehensible. “Instruments” has a good chance of being wrong, but at least we convey the idea that the Hebrew word behind it probably has something to do with enhancing the song.

Literally “Rahab,” a nickname for Egypt. Rahab was a dragon-like sea monster that threatened human existence in ancient creation myths.

Some scholars say it appears that people all over the world, in kingdoms large and small, will become citizens of God’s kingdom, represented by Jerusalem. Everyone says they were born there raises a thought about the fact that Christianity, as a spiritual movement among the masses, was born in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

When Christians read that all God’s people scattered around the world will say they were born in Jerusalem, that might remind them of Acts 2. After the Resurrection of Jesus, in Jerusalem, Peter preached a sermon that launched the Christian movement. Christianity was born in Jerusalem. It’s the spiritual birthplace of every Christian. In this regard, the psalm might sound to some Christians like a prophecy.