Last week we considered Psalm 33 and the worship of God. This week we are looking at Psalm 87 and the mission of God in redemption.
Psalm 87 is written by the Sons of Korah. Who are the Sons of Korah? Why is Korah’s history important to the message of this psalm?
In verses 1-3, the writer describes a city whose founder is God.
- What city is being referenced? (There may be more than one answer)
- Spiritually speaking, what does the “city” stand for in the text, and why is it a fitting metaphor for this message?
There are two architectural features of this city noted in the first two verses—the foundation and the gate.
- What is significant about the description of the city being founded on a holy mount?
- Secondly, what does it mean that God loves the gate of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob?
In verses 4-6, we are given the demographics of the city of God—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush
- Put yourself in the shoes of an Old Testament Israelite. What strikes you about this list?
- What does it mean that, “This one and that one were born in her”?
- How do you respond to a message like this?
How is the final verse a fitting conclusion to the message of Psalm 87?
Application:
- How does the message of this Psalm address your life?
- How is the gospel preached in this Psalm?
- How is the promise of this Psalm being fulfilled today, and how will it continue to be fulfilled in greater measure in the future?
- Based on the message of this Psalm, how should we then live as the church?
Nate Shurden 