Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's truly remarkable here is God's vision for inclusion: He doesn't just mention historically significant nations, but specifically calls out historical enemies like Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon. This highlights that "knowing God" isn't about geographical origin or past allegiances, but about a profound, transformative relationship that allows for even bitter rivals to be welcomed and claimed as His own.
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage, part of a psalm celebrating Zion, shifts to God speaking and revealing that He will gather people from nations previously seen as enemies, like Egypt (symbolized by Rahab) and Babylon, even including the Philistines, Tyrians, and Ethiopians. These diverse peoples will eventually be claimed by Zion, with the declaration, "This one was born there," signifying their new spiritual identity and belonging within God's community.
The psalm names some of Israel's fiercest adversaries – Egypt (called Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia). What's God doing by mentioning them?
This isn't just a list of nations; it's a radical statement of God's redemptive plan. God declares that these historical enemies of His people will not only be reconciled but will become integral parts of His community. They are brought in 'among those who know Me.' This means they are welcomed into fellowship with God and His faithful people. It’s a preview of the New Testament reality where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is torn down, and all who believe are united in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-14).
The phrase 'this one was born there' sounds like a simple statement of origin. But what does it truly mean in God's eyes?
The verse plays on the idea of birthplace. While these nations are geographically distinct and historically opposed to Zion (Jerusalem), the psalm's ultimate point is a spiritual reality. 'Born there' here signifies being born into God's family, adopted into His covenant community. It’s not about where you’re from physically, but where you're spiritually reborn. As Jesus told Nicodemus, 'Unless one is born again; he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:3). This new birth makes one a true citizen of Zion, regardless of their former nationality or background.
Imagine God Himself keeping a registry of who belongs to His eternal city. What does Psalm 87 say about who gets written in?
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The psalm hints at God actively 'mentioning' these diverse peoples among those who know Him. This isn't passive observation; it's an intentional inclusion. Later verses in the psalm (not quoted here, but in the wider context) speak of God 'recounting' or 'writing' the peoples, declaring 'This one was born there' (Psalm 87:6). This points to a divine census, a heavenly record where citizenship isn't based on ethnic purity or earthly origin, but on being born into God's family. It's a profound comfort to know our identity and belonging are secured in God's sovereign decree and His redemptive work, not in our own achievements or heritage.
Understand the original words
Rahab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name often associated with Egypt in prophetic literature, representing chaos, pride, or a rebellious worldly power, yet here used to depict a people who will acknowledge God.
This psalm speaks of a future where people from historically antagonistic nations like Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia) will be welcomed into God's people, finding a new spiritual birth in Zion. It highlights a radical inclusivity that would have been astonishing to its original audience, painting a picture of God's redemptive plan extending far beyond national borders.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, and later the Neo-Babylonian Empire, exerted significant power over the region, often deporting populations and influencing the political landscape.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Judeans were exiled to Babylon following the destruction of Jerusalem, experiencing life in a foreign land and developing a strong sense of identity tied to Zion.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, leading to the eventual return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple.
c. 4th-1st century BC
Hellenistic Period
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and language spread throughout the region, influencing Jewish communities and leading to the Greek translation of the Old Testament (Septuagint).
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Roman Rule and Diaspora
Judea was under Roman control, and significant Jewish communities (the Diaspora) existed in major cities across the Roman Empire and beyond, including Egypt and Babylon.
This verse speaks of the Lord blessing Egypt and Assyria, calling them 'my people,' mirroring Psalm 87's theme of unlikely nations being incorporated into God's favor and the community of those who know Him.
Matthew 28:19Jesus' Great Commission echoes the sentiment of Psalm 87 by commanding disciples to make disciples of all nations, directly fulfilling the prophecy of Gentiles being included among those who 'know me.'
The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch shows a direct fulfillment of this Psalm's vision, bringing someone from a distant land (Cush/Ethiopia) into the fold of God's people through the message preached from Zion.
Paul's declaration that in Christ there is 'neither Jew nor Greek' powerfully reflects the inclusive spirit of Psalm 87, where national origin becomes irrelevant in the new spiritual community.
Revelation 7:9This vision of 'a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language' standing before the throne is a future culmination of the ingathering of peoples prophesied in Psalm 87.
pulpitPsalms 87:4: "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there."
Verses 4-6. - The Almighty is introduced as making a revelation to the psalmist. He will cause the Gentiles to flock into his Church, even those who have been hitherto the most bitter enemies of Israel (ver. 4), and will place these strangers on a par with such as have belonged to his Church from their birth (vers. 4, 5, 6), admitting them to every bl…
ellicottPsalms 87:4: "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there."
(4) This verse may be paraphrased — I will mention to my intimates Rahab and Babylon; (I will say) look at Philistia and Tyre—yes, and even Ethiopia. So-and-so was born there. The last clause is literally this was born there, and on its reference the whole meaning of the verse and the whole intention of the psalm turn. Now immediately after the mentio…
What's truly remarkable here is God's vision for inclusion: He doesn't just mention historically significant nations, but specifically calls out historical enemies like Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon. This highlights that "knowing God" isn't about geographical origin or past allegiances, but about a profound, transformative relationship that allows for even bitter rivals to be welcomed and claimed as His own.
This passage, part of a psalm celebrating Zion, shifts to God speaking and revealing that He will gather people from nations previously seen as enemies, like Egypt (symbolized by Rahab) and Babylon, even including the Philistines, Tyrians, and Ethiopians. These diverse peoples will eventually be claimed by Zion, with the declaration, "This one was born there," signifying their new spiritual identity and belonging within God's community.
This passage, part of a psalm celebrating Zion, shifts to God speaking and revealing that He will gather people from nations previously seen as enemies, like Egypt (symbolized by Rahab) and Babylon, even including the Philistines, Tyrians, and Ethiopians. These diverse peoples will eventually be claimed by Zion, with the declaration, "This one was born there," signifying their new spiritual identity and belonging within God's community.
"Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say." — What's truly remarkable here is God's vision for inclusion: He doesn't just mention historically significant nations, but specifically calls out historical enemies like Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026