Psalms 87:4-6
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say. And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her. The LORD records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse flips the script on national pride by declaring that those once considered enemies – Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia) – will be celebrated among God's people. The stunning implication is that their very existence, their "birth" in those lands, will be a testimony to God’s power, and they will be counted as citizens of Zion.
This passage is part of a psalm praising Zion, the city of God. It moves from the idea of Jerusalem as the birthplace of its citizens to a prophetic vision where enemies of Israel like Egypt ("Rahab") and Babylon, along with others like Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia), are not only embraced but declared to be born there, signifying their inclusion and spiritual citizenship in God's people. The verse sets the stage for the idea that God will draw people from all nations to Himself and make them part of His redeemed community.
Who would you expect to see welcomed into God's family? This verse names some of God's fiercest opponents and places them right alongside His people.
Psalm 87:4 is a prophetic declaration of God's expansive grace. Notice how it lists nations that were historically enemies of Israel: Rahab (often representing Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia).
A Wider Embrace
The psalm declares that God will 'mention' these nations 'among those who know me.' This isn't just a casual nod; it signifies inclusion and acceptance. God isn't limiting His family to just one group of people. He's bringing in those who were once outside, those who may have even actively opposed His people.
This radical inclusion challenges us to consider who we might be excluding, intentionally or unintentionally, from our own circles of belonging, and to remember God's surprising embrace.
What does it mean to truly belong? This verse uses a powerful phrase that points to a profound transformation, a new identity given by God.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 87:4-6 is available in the Sola app.
The phrase 'this one was born there' is the key to understanding the transformation described in Psalm 87:4. It's not just about geographical location; it's about a spiritual re-birth into God's covenant community.
Grafted In
When the psalm says 'this one was born there,' it refers to individuals from these previously hostile nations being born into Zion. This signifies adoption and inclusion. They are not just visiting; they are becoming natives of God's spiritual city. They gain a new identity and heritage.
This points to the New Testament concept of being 'born again' (John 3:3-7) through faith in Christ. Our citizenship is no longer defined by our earthly origin but by our spiritual birth into God's kingdom, symbolized by Zion. We become part of God's people through a divine act, a new creation.
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.
Elyon · Hebrew Proper Noun/Adjective
The Hebrew title for God (El Elyon), emphasizing His sovereignty, transcendence, and absolute authority over all created things and nations.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and active involvement in the history of His people. It is derived from the verb 'to be,' signifying the Eternal One who is self-existent and redeemer.
kathab · Hebrew Verb
The act of writing down names or events for preservation, often implying divine recognition, accountability, or the establishment of a formal relationship. In a theological sense, it refers to God's definitive knowledge of those who belong to His covenant community.
saphar · Hebrew Verb
To enroll or list individuals in an official register, signifying belonging, citizenship, or divine recognition of identity. Biblically, this often relates to being written in the 'book of life' or categorized among the people of God.
Selah · Hebrew Noun/Interjection
An untranslated Hebrew term, likely a musical or liturgical notation indicating a pause, silence, or an opportunity for reflection and meditation on what has just been sung or read.
This psalm speaks of a future where nations once considered enemies—Egypt ('Rahab'), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia)—will be recognized as part of God's people. The mention of these specific, often adversarial, nations highlights a radical inclusivity, suggesting that people from all backgrounds will find their spiritual home in Zion, a concept that resonated deeply during periods of exile and diaspora when the Jewish people were scattered among these very nations.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling many of its citizens. This event heightened the awareness of dispersed populations and the potential for future exiles, impacting how Israel understood its place in the world.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish citizens to Babylon, including members of the royal family and educated elite. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling a significant portion of the remaining Jewish population. This event is a pivotal moment of national trauma and diaspora.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon. This shift in power eventually leads to the decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
4th - 1st Century BC
Hellenistic Period and Jewish Diaspora
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and language spread throughout the region. Jewish communities increasingly dispersed across the Hellenistic world, creating vibrant 'Diaspora' populations.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, writes epistles to churches and individuals across the Roman Empire. This period reflects the widespread presence of Christianity and the integration of diverse peoples into the early church.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 87 by prophesying a future where Egypt and Assyria (linked to Babylon) will worship the Lord alongside Israel, highlighting God's inclusive plan for salvation.
The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch directly illustrates the inclusion of Cush (Ethiopia) into God's people, showing how the prophecy of Psalm 87 began to unfold in practice.
Paul's declaration that in Christ there is 'neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,' powerfully reflects the spirit of Psalm 87, where national and ethnic distinctions fade as all believers are born into God's spiritual family.
Matthew 28:18-20The Great Commission, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations, is the New Testament fulfillment of the vision in Psalm 87, where people from all corners of the earth are welcomed into God's city.
Revelation 21:24-26This vision of the New Jerusalem, where the nations walk in its light and bring their splendor into it, provides a glorious future picture of the inclusive community envisioned in Psalm 87, where all peoples are citizens.
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…
This verse flips the script on national pride by declaring that those once considered enemies – Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia) – will be celebrated among God's people. The stunning implication is that their very existence, their "birth" in those lands, will be a testimony to God’s power, and they will be counted as citizens of Zion.
This passage is part of a psalm praising Zion, the city of God. It moves from the idea of Jerusalem as the birthplace of its citizens to a prophetic vision where enemies of Israel like Egypt ("Rahab") and Babylon, along with others like Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia), are not only embraced but declared to be born there, signifying their inclusion and spiritual citizenship in God's people. The verse sets the stage for the idea that God will draw people from all nations to Himself and make them part of His redeemed community.
This passage is part of a psalm praising Zion, the city of God. It moves from the idea of Jerusalem as the birthplace of its citizens to a prophetic vision where enemies of Israel like Egypt ("Rahab") and Babylon, along with others like Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia), are not only embraced but declared to be born there, signifying their inclusion and spiritual citizenship in God's people. The verse sets the stage for the idea that God will draw people from all nations to Himself and make them part of His redeemed community.
"Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say. And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for th…" — This verse flips the script on national pride by declaring that those once considered enemies – Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (Ethiopia) – will be celebrated among God's people.…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
