Psalm 87:4-6
“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.”
King James Version · the opening — all 3 verses are below
The nations' peoples counted as born in Zion, a prophetic image of spiritual citizenship in God's city.
Read the whole passage — all 3 verses (KJV)
87:4I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
87:5And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.
87:6The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.
Fulfillment References
Galatians 4:26 Hebrews 12:22
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalA startling psalm: of Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia — Israel's enemies — it is said, 'This man was born there,' counted as citizens of Zion. The LORD registers the nations as native-born of His city. This is the gospel mystery: Gentiles made fellow-citizens, born again into the heavenly Zion (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22) through the Lord Jesus. God Himself establishes the city that gathers all peoples.
JewishA remarkable vision of foreign nations reckoned as born in Zion, registered by God among her citizens; the universal glory of the city of God.
CatholicThe nations born into Zion, fulfilled as Gentiles become citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem in Christ (Eph. 2:19).
ProtestantThe inclusion of the nations as 'born in Zion,' realized in the new birth and the heavenly city (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22).
AcademicA short, textually difficult Zion psalm celebrating the nations' incorporation into Jerusalem; its universalism is striking for its period.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.