Psalms 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.
Original Language Analysis
אַזְכִּ֤יר׀
I will make mention
H2142
אַזְכִּ֤יר׀
I will make mention
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
וּבָבֶ֗ל
and Babylon
H894
וּבָבֶ֗ל
and Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
3 of 12
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
לְֽיֹ֫דְעָ֥י
to them that know
H3045
לְֽיֹ֫דְעָ֥י
to them that know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
זֶ֝֗ה
H2088
Cross References
Psalms 45:12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.Psalms 68:31Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.Psalms 89:10Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.Job 9:13If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
Historical Context
Written by the sons of Korah, this psalm celebrates Jerusalem as God's chosen dwelling. Yet even Zion's exclusivity becomes inclusive—those born in pagan lands become citizens through God's sovereign grace. This anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and the multiethnic worship of Revelation 7:9. The "register" recalls the book of life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 20:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this prophecy of Gentile inclusion demonstrate that God's plan always encompassed all nations?
- What does it mean to be "born" in Zion, and how does spiritual birth supersede physical descent?
- How should the global scope of God's redemption shape Christian mission and our view of cultural diversity in the church?
Analysis & Commentary
God speaks of Gentile nations: "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there" (Hebrew azkir Rachav u-Vavel l-yod-ay hineh Peleshet v-Tzor im-Kush zeh yullad-sham). "Rahab" symbolizes Egypt, "Babylon" Israel's oppressor—yet God claims them as birthplaces of His people. This astounding prophecy envisions Gentiles born into Zion, registered as citizens of God's city. Isaiah 19:23-25 similarly prophesies Egypt and Assyria worshiping with Israel. The New Testament fulfills this: Gentiles grafted into Israel (Romans 11), all believers citizens of heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24).