Psalm 87

“Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush— “This one was born there,” they say” (v4). Surprisingly, the psalmist doesn’t mention Rahab (another name for Egypt), Babylon, and Philistia, all enemies of Israel, in order to condemn them.  Instead, the Lord is speaking (v6), and He claims these foreigners as “born in Zion” (v5-6).  God’s love for the holy city of Jerusalem (v1) extends outward, breaking ethnic and cultural barriers, claiming everyone on earth willing to receive His salvation.

“This one was born there” (v6).  John tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus receives the right to become God’s children, Spirit-born sons and daughters of the holy city.