Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 87:3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
3. Glorious things are spoken of thee ] This need not be limited to the utterance of Psa 87:4 ff., but may include the great prophetic promises generally, such as Isa 2:2 ff; Isa 11:10; Isa 19:20 ff.; and, if the Psalm is post-exilic, Psa 60:1 ff. O city of God ] Of His choice, His love, His care. Cp. Psa 46:4; Psa 48:1-2; Psa 48:8.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Glorious things are spoketh of thee, O city of God – Jerusalem, called the city of God as being the place of his unique home on earth. The word rendered are spoken may mean either have been spoken, or are to be spoken; that is, either, such things have been said, or they may be said. They have been placed on record; or, they may now be put on record concerning thee. Probably the former is the true meaning; and the language would embrace such points as these:
(1) Those things which had been spoken as to its beauty of situation; its magnificence and splendor. Compare Psa 48:2-3, notes; Psa 48:12-13, notes.
(2) Such things as had been spoken or recorded in regard to its future prosperity, its triumphs, and its influence in the world; the promises which had been made in reference to the prosperity of Zion, and the spread of the true religion from that point as a center.
Compare the notes at Isa 2:3. The Old Testament abounds with promises concerning the future glory of Zion – the glorious things that are spoken respecting the final triumph of religion in the world. Of this the statement here is to be mainly understood, where Zion is referred to as the seat of the true religion, and as therefore the representative of the true church on earth. It is that of which the real record has been made, and not merely of Jerusalem or Zion as a city. That might pass away; the church, of which that was the representative, will endure forever. Compare Isa 54:1-3; 60; Rev 21:2-4.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 87:3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
The glorious city
The inspired singer had the ransomed Church in view, and his soul was stirred by a vision of the new Jerusalem, its regenerated myriads gathered from every nation, and its crucified King, when he broke forth into this eulogy.
I. There are glorious things with respect to the erection of the city.
1. The plan of its erection. Faultless, complete, wonderful for beauty and grandeur, worthy of its Divine Architect and of the end in view, viz. to rear a city for Him to dwell in.
2. The site. The sure decree, the Divine perfections, the promise of Him that cannot lie, and the incarnate Son Himself, are the holy mountains, whose summits are gloriously crowned by the city of the great King. There the city sits securely, beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.
3. The date of its erection. It is older than any of the cities of the ancient world–Rome–Nineveh–Babylon; it reaches a higher antiquity than any of them all. It was standing before the flood; Noah, Enoch, Abel, dwelt in it. It is almost as old as the creation.
II. There are glorious things to tell of the defences of the city. It is well fortified–encircled by the sleepless providence of Jehovah, girt about with the power of the Almighty. When its bulwarks were reared, He that made them saw that they were good; and He said, No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.
III. There are glorious things in connection with the stores and supplies on which the city depends.
1. The excellence of the citys supplies. It is little to say that there is the best of everything–the finest of wheat, honey from the rock, water clear as crystal. The bread, the water, the wine, the milk, and the pleasant fruits, are without a parallel.
2. The abundance of the citys supplies. There is enough for all the citizens. He, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, etc.
3. The source whence the supplies are derived.
(1) They do not come from without. Its well-springs are not in the world. The corn, and the wine, and the oil, are grown where the foe is without any power.
(2) There is a river that maketh glad the city of God. Yes, the city has a river–a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal. But cannot Satan do to the river of our city as Cyrus did to the river of Babylon? The river is beyond his reach. The fountain whence it issues is within the city walls. The river-head, the perennial spring of the stream of life, is in the heart of the fortress, and in the very throne of the King.
(3) The windows of heaven are right above the city; and the windows of heaven are frequently opened, and manna and other celestial products showered down, till there is not room enough in the magazines of the city to receive them.
IV. There are glorious things respecting the King of the city.
1. He is glorious in Himself.
(1) His name–Wonderful. He is Adam, Jacob, David, Israel; Jesus, Immanuel, Shiloh, Christ; the Second Man, the Mighty God; the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; the Branch, the Plant of Renown, the Rose of Sharon; the Morning Star, the Sun of Righteousness, the Word of God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Amen. And these are not the whole. There are many titles and appellations behind.
(2) His person–full of grace and dignity.
(3) His character.
2. There are glorious things respecting the King, when we consider Him in connection with the city.
(1) His choice of the city is one of these. He made choice of the city before the foundation of the world; yea, the city itself was not built when it became the object of His choice, He foreknew the city; raising the curtain of futurity in the past beginning, He saw the city, He fixed upon it His love, and resolved to be its King.
(2) The circumstance that He dwells in the city is glorious.
(3) His sufferings for the city are glorious.
(4) His victories for the city are glorious.
V. There are glorious things in connection with the citizens of the city.
1. The Dumber of the citizens. It was foretold long since that they of the city should flourish like grass of the earth, and that they should be like the stars of heaven for multitude. The population of the city is increasing accordingly. Sometimes its progress is greater, and sometimes it is less, but it is always advancing.
2. The rank of the citizens. All of them are princes–the Kings own kinsmen. They are born of God, and the glorious King is their elder brother!
3. The circumstances of the citizens. In other places some are rich and some are poor. But here all the citizens are poor. To this man will I look, says the King, to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, etc.
4. The character of the citizens. All of them are on the way to perfection. They are being fashioned to the pattern of the character of the King. The climate in which they live, the atmosphere which they breathe, the diet on which they are fed, and the exercises they engage in, have a powerful tendency to produce a resemblance between them and Him, and to conform them to His image. The beauty of the Lord descends upon them more and more.
5. The employment of the citizens.
6. The privileges of the citizens.
(1) They are served and protected by the Kings attendants and guards.
(2) They are permitted to eat fruit in the Kings garden.
(3) They may enter the Kings palace, and approach His throne. (Andrew Gray.)
The glory of the Church
Glorious things are spoken of our New Testament Zion–
1. As a magnificent city.
I. It is populous. The polished European is there, and the rude islander from the great Pacific; the dark Ethiopian on whom the sun has looked down; and the wild dweller under the North Star from his dreary regions of perpetual snow. The philosopher is in Zion with his extensive learning and habits of independent thought, in humble submission to the Cross. The cottager is there, who has read and known little but his Bible; and the child, who, receiving the Gospel in its simplicty to his infant heart, has been set forth as a pattern to the older by Him who said, Of such is the kingdom of heaven.
2. It is increasing; but its past triumphs are not to be compared with its future glory. A time is coming when the Gospel shall be preached to all, when the true light shall shine in the dark places of the earth, and the isles shall wait for His law.
3. Zion is a magnificent, because a well planned city. Glorious things are spoken of its situation. It has not an unhealthy site by the slough of despond, or a disagreeable position beside the habitations of horrid cruelty: His foundation is in the holy mountains. Many cities are overcrowded, and while their best streets are beautiful and spacious, their alleys are the abodes of misery and the nurseries of disease: but this city has abundant convenience and blessings for all.
II. As the seat of the great King. Many cities are beautiful in themselves, but want the honour of the metropolis. This is the capital of the dominions of a Monarch who is higher than the kings of the earth–God in the person of Jesus Christ. He is great–
1. In His character.
2. In His dominions.
3. In His actions.
4. In His speech. His decrees and revelations are not only superior to any statements to be found elsewhere in their cheering and instructive nature, but in the length of their duration. The edicts of other kings soon pass out of date; those of the King of Zion are eternal.
III. As the abode of a happy people.
1. Zion is the abode of a people who are happy, because they are well governed. The first element in a good government is a strong mutual affection between the prince and the people.
2. The inhabitants of Zion are happy, because well conducted. A realm whose inhabitants are idle can never be a happy one: and Christians, besides being taught not to be slothful in the common business of life, are told likewise to be active in their Masters work.
3. Zion is the abode of a people who are happy because all their wants are abundantly supplied. There is never a famine of spiritual food in that glorious and happy place. (W. Dickson.)
The city of God
I. The designation.
1. A city, well-built and fortified.
2. It is the city of God.
(1) He is its Architect and Builder.
(2) He dwells in it.
(3) He reigns over it.
II. The excellences ascribed to this city.
1. Its purity. There is no guilt there; for the people that dwell therein are forgiven their iniquities. There is no defilement there; for they have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. There are no remains of transgression there; for they are without fault before the throne of God. The place itself is holy, and all who dwell in it are holy, in every possible respect. Their actions, conversation, desires, and thoughts, are all holy. Nor is it merely by the absence of sin the city is distinguished. There all the fruits of righteousness abound, and in every member of its glorified community the Spirit takes up His abode, filling him with light, and life, and love.
2. Its magnificence. There is the throne of God and of the Lamb. If He were not there, it would be like a city wrapped in night; but because He is there, it shines with the brightness of perpetual day. Hence He is the object on which all eyes gaze.
3. Its opulence. Universal plenty. No toil, no anxious cares, nor disappointed hopes. Its inhabitants have for their portion God Himself, who is all in all. They are His people, and He is their God, and from the boundless resources of His nature they are ever supplied with the richest blessings.
4. Its permanence. It is an abiding city; a city that hath foundations; a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
III. Practical lessons.
1. The necessity of personal holiness.
2. Learn, while dwelling in the vale below, to live as citizens of heaven.
3. Learn what estimate to put upon the things of time and sense. They are evanescent as the vapour which appeareth for a little time and then passeth away. There is nothing certain but death; there is nothing true but God; there is nothing permanent but heaven. (Thornley Smith.)
The city of God
Glorious things are spoken of–
1. Its Founder.
2. Its privileges, Pardon, instruction, comfort.
3. Its eminent characters.
4. Its perpetual security.
5. Its future extent and magnificence. (J. Jowett, M. A.)
Mother Church
By universal consent Zion is regarded as type of the Christian Church.
I. This mother is glorious is her reputation. (Verse 3). She has the reputation–
1. For the highest intelligence. To her are committed the oracles of God. She is the receptacle and the revealer of heavenly intelligence.
2. For self-sacrificing love. The love which she possesses is of the same kind as that which the Son of God exemplifies–an unconquerable love for souls.
3. For the most beneficent achievements. She has created Christendom. All the arts that bless and adorn the civilized world must he ascribed to her. Her great work is to save souls.
II. This mother is Divine in her resources (Psa 87:5). She has had her enemies. Her continuance can only be ascribed to Divine support.
1. In what does God establish the Church? In truth and love. She is like a tree which He roots and grounds in love; like a vessel which He fastens in the firmest anchorage; like a house which He builds upon a rock.
2. How does God establish the Church? He thus gives her power, love, and a sound mind.
III. This mother is illustrious in her family. 1 Her children are men. This and that man was born there. Many call her mother whom she disowns.
2. Her children have their birth divinely registered. When He writeth up.
3. Her children are distinguished by every variety of mind (Psa 87:7). There is the impulsive Peter, the heroic Paul, and the scientific Luke, and the lamb-like John. There is no monotony in her domestic circle. (Homilist.)
The city of God
I. In their literal reference to the Jewish metropolis, Jerusalem was truly the city of God; the city which He particularly chose–to which He paid especial regard. Hence glorious things were spoken of her.
1. There was the seat of the civil government.
2. There the Divine ordinances were celebrated
3. There was the general rendezvous of all the Israelitish tribes.
4. This city received a glorious name, vision of peace; and was at length honoured with the presence of our Lord, the Prince of Peace.
II. in their spiritual application to the Church of Christ. St. Paul styles this Jerusalem which is from above, which is the mother of us all–of all believers (Gal 4:26). Hence Christians are represented as fellow-citizens (Eph 2:19) Now of this spiritual city, the antitype of Zion, glorious things are spoken:–
1. That she is gloriously founded by the living God.
2. That she possesses glorious privileges.
3. That she contains glorious inhabitants.
4. That glorious promises shall be accomplished in her (Isa 55:1-13.).
III. In their grandest typical reference to heaven itself. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)
The city of God
Glorious things are spoken of–
1. Its security.
2. Its beauty.
3. The privileges enjoyed by its inhabitants. Theirs are the present and palpable advantages connected with a life of piety; evil things are sent them in mercy, and of the good things of life they have the real benefit and enjoyment, and possess them with Gods blessing. Theirs is the inheritance of grace; theirs the heirship of glory.
4. Its enlargement, and the increase of its inhabitants.
5. Its durability. (James Kirkwood.)
The Church and the city of God
I. A ransomed city.
II. A holy city.
III. A united city.
IV. An enlarging city.
V. An everlasting city. (J. Smyth, D. D.)
Zions glories
I. First on the catalogue is the fact of Gods intimate connection with the Church. His foundation in the holy mountains. God and His people cannot be separated. The Spirit dwells within the Church, aye, and tabernacles within the very body of each believer.
II. The second glory is found in the fact that God Himself has established the Church. The Divine attributes and perfections are as the foundations of the city.
III. An equally glorious fact is to be found in the special favour God has towards His Church.
IV. The most glorious thing of all is the promise of increase, and the fulfilment of that promise. Certain nations are spoken of here. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. Whole nations, you see! Yes, for a nation shall be born in a day, and men shall come to Christ as doves fly to their windows. The character of the people is here indicated. These are heathen nations, Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia. Thank God for the missionary work at home and abroad, for home missionaries and city missionaries, as well as for foreign missionaries, since the heathen are at our very doors. But though nations are made mention of, it is very evident that individuals are dealt with. This man was born there, This and that man was born there. Yes, salvation is an individual matter after all. You cannot be saved with the crowd, though you can be saved in a crowd. It must be Gods own Spirit working on heart and causing it to be new-born. Praise the Lord for this individual work among the people. (T. Spurgeon.)
Glorious things of the city of God
1. Her redemption and salvation through Christ.
2. Her spiritual life and beauty.
3. Her increase and enlargement..
4. Her relation to the kingdom of this world.
5. Her millennial happiness.
6. Her duration on earth.
7. Her future eternal glory. (E. Ritchie.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee] Or, there are glorious words or doctrines in thee. Does this refer to the glorious doctrines of the Christian Church? These are glorious sayings indeed.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
O Jerusalem, though thou and thy temple are yet in some sort in your ruins, and desolate and contemptible not only to thine enemies, but also in the eyes of thine own people, yet comfort thyself with these great and glorious things foretold concerning thee in the holy prophets, as Isa 62:1,7; 65:18, &c.; Isa 66:10, &c.; Zec 1:14, &c.; Zec 2:4,12; 8:3, &c. Zec 12:2, &c. Among other things, it was foretold that the glory of the latter house should be greater than of the former, Hag 2:9. All which prophecies are to be understood, as this place also is, of a spiritual and evangelical glory accruing to Jerusalem; as by the birth and presence of Christ in it, so also by the accession of all people and nations to it, of which he speaks in the next verse.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3. spoken of theeor, “inthee,” that is, the city of God (Psa 46:4;Psa 48:2).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.] Which is to be understood not of the city of Jerusalem literally, which was a magnificent city, compact together, full of inhabitants, and spacious houses, the metropolis of Judea, and seat of the kings of Judah; and what was most glorious of all that could be said of it, it was the city of God; and so Jarchi interprets it, the glory spoken of it is, that it is the city of God; here the temple was built, and many glorious things were in it; here God granted his presence, and his worship was kept up: and besides, there were other and more glorious things spoken of it, by way of prophecy; as, that the Messiah should come in person into it, as the owner of it, and give it a greater glory than the first temple had; here he was to preach his doctrines, and do his miracles, which he accordingly did; near this city he suffered, died, and was buried; rose again, ascended to heaven; and here he poured forth the gifts of the Holy Spirit in an extraordinary manner: but rather this is to be interpreted of the church of God, comparable to a city, and which is of God’s building, and where he dwells;
[See comments on Ps 48:1] of which glorious things are spoken for the present; as, that it is the city of the King of kings, the name of which is “Jehovah Shammah”, the Lord is there; its foundation is Christ; its walls and bulwarks are salvation; its gates are praise; glorious ordinances are administered in it, and glorious truths are preached here; and so the words may be rendered, “glorious things are spoken in thee” x: and of it also glorious things are spoken, by way of prophecy, as, what shall be in the latter day; a great effusion of the Spirit upon it; the gracious presence of Christ in it in a more visible manner; a great increase of converts both among Jews and Gentiles, which shall flock into it; and the great spread of the Gospel, which shall be the means of it; the unity, harmony, and concord of professors of religion; the holiness of their lives and conversation; and the very great peace and prosperity which will everywhere abound; and especially glorious things are spoken of the New Jerusalem, the city of our God; of which see Re 21:1.
Selah. [See comments on Ps 3:2].
x “in te”, Montanus, Tigurine version, Cocceius, Schmidt, Syr. vers.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God! The reading literally is, That which is spoken in thee are glorious things. We must consider the design of the prophet, or rather the object of the Spirit of God, speaking by the mouth of the prophet. From the low and despised condition of the whole people, from the many and terrible enemies who pressed hard upon them on all sides, from the small number who had sufficient courage to surmount the obstacles in their way, from the new and unlooked-for changes which were daily springing up, from the danger there was lest the state of affairs gradually sinking more and more into decay, should at length become desperate, it was difficult to cherish the hope that the holy city would be restored. That despair might not overcome the hearts of the faithful, and cause them to fail, there is set before them the supporting and consolatory consideration, that the Lord hath spoken differently concerning the future condition of the Church. Their attention, there can be no doubt, is called away from the present aspect of things, and directed to the promises which inspired them with the hope of the wonderful glory with which she should be adorned. Although, therefore, nothing appeared to the eye of sense and reason, calculated greatly to rejoice the heart, yet the prophet would have them encouraged by the word to stand as it were on a watch-tower, waiting patiently for the fulfillment of what God had promised. In this way they were admonished, first, to direct their attention to the ancient prophecies, and to keep in remembrance, especially those which are contained in Isaiah from the fortieth chapter (Isa 40:0) to the end of the book; and, secondly, to give ear to the servants of God, who at that time preached the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Whence it follows that a right judgment cannot be formed of the happiness of the Church, except when we estimate it according to the standard of God’s word.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(3) The meaning of this verse is obvious in spite of its many grammatical difficulties. The praise of Zion had found many tongues, but the poet implies that he is going to swell the chorus.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Glorious things are spoken of thee Not only in history, and in national ballads and traditions of the great past, (see Ezr 4:19-20 ; 1Ki 4:20-21,) but in prophecy and promise connecting with the unfolding plan of redemption, and the everlasting kingdom of Messiah. But it is Zion in its New Testament sense the Church, as “the birthplace of all nations” which is here chiefly denoted. From the Hebrew rendered “glorious things,” it has been supposed Paul took his expression, “weight of glory,” 2Co 4:17
Psa 87:3. Glorious things are spoken of thee Glorious things, it shall be said, are in thee; i.e. all nations shall speak of them with surprise and wonder. Chandler.
DISCOURSE: 646 Psa 87:3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
THE city here spoken of, is Zion: of whose praises the whole Scriptures speak. She is represented as beautiful for situation, and as being the joy of the whole earth [Note: Psa 48:2.]. Even God himself is represented as delighting in her, and as loving the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob [Note: ver. 2.]. Why she, and the Church which is represented by her, are so high in the estimation of God and man, it will be not unimportant to consider.
To bring the subject fully before you, I will shew,
I.
What glorious things are spoken of her
Amongst the many things spoken of her in Scripture, she is particularly commended,
1.
As the residence of the Deity
[God chose Zion of old for his habitation, and delighted to make that above all other cities in the universe the place of his rest [Note: Psa 132:13-14.]. There he abode in that bright symbol of his presence, the Shechinah, dwelling between the cherubims [Note: Psa 80:1.]. There his people assembled by his appointment to worship him: thence he dispensed his blessings: and thence in due time he sent forth his everlasting Gospel [Note: Isa 2:3.].
Thus under the Christian dispensation he has honoured his Church, dwelling in it; as he has said, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. There he reveals his glory, oven all the glory of the godhead, in the face of Jesus Christ There he makes known all the riches of his grace and love There he communes with his people who present their supplications before him, drawing nigh to them, whilst they draw nigh to him; and giving them answers of peace; not indeed visibly, as by the Urim and Thummim of old, but really, and satisfactorily to their souls In a word, though unknown in every other place under heaven, He is known in her palaces as a refuge [Note: Psa 48:3.].]
2.
As the birth-place of the saints
[This is particularly noticed in the psalm before us: Of Zion it shall be said, This and that man is born in her [Note: ver. 5, 6.]. Under the Jewish dispensation conversions were comparatively few; but under the Christian dispensation they are very numerous; though at present they are only as the drop before the shower. On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was poured out in richer abundance, and thousands were converted in a day: and still, wherever the Gospel is preached in sincerity and truth, there the power of God accompanies the word, and subdues the souls of men to the obedience of faith. Amongst the heathen, Satan maintains an universal sway: and amongst those Christians who are not blessed with a faithful ministry, very few are ever rescued from his dominion: but where the cross of Christ is exalted, there will be found a stir among the dry bones, and multitudes will be born to God. And may we not ask, Whether this is not confirmed by the experience of many here present! Once you were dead in trespasses and sins, and as destitute of all desire after God, as any people in the world: but, through the preaching of a crucified Saviour in this place, your souls have been turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Here also, when you have been mourning on account of your indwelling corruptions, God has given you the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness [Note: Isa 61:3.] so that you can confidently say, I was born there. Blessed testimony, that may well endear to you the gates of Zion, and render her more lovely in your eyes than all the palaces in the universe!]
3.
As an emblem of heaven itself
[Such it really is: for all who are born in her are come unto Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem [Note: Heb 12:22.]. Though she is a spiritual edifice, she has her foundations, her walls, her gates; all of which are found also in that heavenly Zion which St. John saw, even in that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, and having the glory of God [Note: Rev 21:10-11; Rev 21:14; Rev 21:21.]. And both the one city and the other are of pure gold [Note: Rev 21:18.]. Each of them too, amongst the many distinctions which they enjoy above all earthly cities, have a light peculiar to themselves. Of our Zion it is said, The sun is no more her light by day, neither for brightness does the moon give light unto her; but the Lord is unto her an everlasting light, and her God her glory [Note: Isa 60:19.]. And thus it is also in the heavenly Zion: The city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God does lighten it; and the Lamb is the light thereof [Note: Rev 21:23.]. It is but one family that is inhabiting both the one city and the other, even the family of our Lord Jesus Christ [Note: Eph 3:14-15.]; and their employments are altogether the same: for whilst the one are rejoicing in the Lord always here below [Note: Php 4:4.], the other are incessantly engaged in singing praises to him above, even to Him, who loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and made them kings and priests unto their God; to him, I say, do they ascribe all glory and dominion for ever and ever [Note: Rev 1:5-6.].]
II.
The effect which these testimonies should have upon us
Surely, when the Church is so high in the estimation of God,
1.
We should inquire what place she holds in our esteem
[Never has she had, at least in a spiritual view, any visible glory. In the days of the prophets, her limits were contracted, and her members poor, despised, persecuted. In the days of Christ and his Apostles, though her limits were enlarged, she, like her Lord himself, had no beauty nor comeliness for which she was to be desired [Note: Isa 53:2.]. She has been in a wilderness state even to this present hour [Note: Rev 12:6.], an object of hatred and derision to all that were round about her. Yet to the eye of faith she is most beautful, most glorious. In all that pertains to her, she is the perfection of beauty [Note: Psa 50:2.]. Her foundations are of the most precious stones: her walls are salvation, and her gates praise [Note: Isa 60:18.]. Her laws are all holy, and just, and good: her ordinances are a very heaven upon earth: and her members more highly privileged than all other creatures in the universe. Say then, Brethren, whether such be your views of Zion; and whether to be enrolled amongst her citizens be the highest object of your ambition? Our blessed Lord told his disciples, that even to have the devils made subject unto them was no ground of joy in comparison of this [Note: Luk 10:20.]: for, if you really belong to Zion, your names are written in heaven, and all the glory and felicity of heaven are yours. But if you are aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, you are strangers from the covenants of promise, without God, without Christ, without hope [Note: Eph 2:12.].]
2.
We should seek to advance her glory
[God has promised, that, in due season, the mountain of the Lords house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and that all nations shall flow unto her [Note: Isa 2:2.]. Then shall Zion be no more termed desolate, or forsaken: for God will delight in her; and all the kings of the earth shall bring their glory to her. Her gates shall be open continually: they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto her the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. Then the nation and kingdom which shall not serve her shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto her, the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and the box together, (the meanest slave being as acceptable as the mightiest monarch,) to beautify the place of Gods sanctuary, and to make the place of his feet glorious. The sons also of them that afflicted her, shall come bending unto her; and all that despised her shall bow down themselves at the soles of her feet; and shall call her, The city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel [Note: Isa 60:11-14.]. Now then I ask, Should we not long for this glorious period? Should we not exert ourselves to the uttermost to help it forward? Should we not search out the benighted Gentiles, and labour to bring back to their God the dispersed of Israel? Should we not endeavour to bring men from every quarter, their sons in our arms, and their daughters in litters upon our shoulders, to glorify the house of his glory? Men may pretend to love the Church: but their professions must be brought to this test. If we are at all sensible of the benefit of belonging to Zion, we shall neither rest ourselves, nor give any rest to our God, till the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth [Note: Isa 62:1; Isa 62:6-7.].]
3.
We should labour to participate in all her privileges
[Is God indeed revealed there in all his excellency and glory? Is it the place, the only place, where sinners are born to God? Is it an emblem even of heaven itself? We should determine then to come to her without delay, and to seek admission into her blissful community. In comparison of being numbered amongst her children, all that the world can give should be esteemed by us as dung and dross; and we should say with David, I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness [Note: Psa 84:10.]. As for hatred, contempt, persecution, or even death itself, they should be accounted rather as an honour, and a happiness, and a privilege, than as objects of fear, if they are brought upon us for Zions sake. It should be a sufficient recompence to us, that our God is glorified, and that the interests of Zion are advanced, [Note: 1Pe 4:13-14.]. If we are children of Zion indeed, we shall be joyful under any circumstances; we shall be joyful, I say, in our King [Note: Psa 149:2.]: as it is written; They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd; (that is, for all spiritual consolation and support;) and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all [Note: Jer 31:12.]. Whether they be priests or people, it shall be thus with them: for, I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness; and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord [Note: Jer 31:14.].]
Application
[Let us then love Zion, and prefer her before our chief joy [Note: Psa 137:5-6.]. Let her ordinances be our delight [Note: Psa 84:4; Psa 84:7.]; and let us pray for her advancement, saying, Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within her palaces. Then shall our own souls most assuredly flourish: for they shall prosper that love her [Note: Psa 122:6-7.].]
Surely we cannot be at a loss to apprehend what is meant by the glorious things of the church, which is made glorious within by reason of her glorious Lord, and Head, and King. All his people are made kings and priests to God and the Father in Him; and hence they are declared to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; Rev 1:6 ; 1Pe 2:9 . But glorious as these things are in themselves, yet I apprehend these are not the things spoken of; for they are rather the effects than the cause. The glorious things evidently refer to somewhat higher, which can be no other than Christ himself. And we shall have some faint conception of how truly glorious the things spoken of Zion are, when we consider the marriage of Christ with his church. What indeed can be equally glorious with the contemplation of the Son of God choosing Zion for himself, and uniting Zion to himself, forever? He is, saith the apostle, the Head of the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Eph 1:22-23 .
Psa 87:3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Ver. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee ] Dicta et praedicta, told and foretold of thee, Heb. in thee, sc. by the holy prophets, especially concerning the Christian Church. See Isa 60:1-5 , to the end of that prophecy. Nihil honorificum non praedicatur de te; et nihil praedicatur de te quin sit honorificentissimum (Jun.).
Thou city of God
Selah God. Hebrew. ha-‘Elohim = the [true] God. App-4.
Selah. Connecting the first alternation with the second, showing that it is to be a repeated alternation.
Glorious: Psa 48:2, Psa 48:3, Psa 48:11-13, Psa 125:1, Psa 125:2, Isa 12:6, Isa 49:14-26, Isa 54:2-10, Isa 59:20, Isa 59:21, Isa 60:1-22, Isa 61:3-11, Isa 62:1-12, Jer 3:14-17, Jer 31:12, Jer 31:13, Eze 36:2, Eze 36:11-38, Eze 37:27, Eze 37:28, Eze 40:1-49, Eze 48:1-35, Heb 12:22, Heb 12:23, Rev 14:1, Rev 21:10-27
Reciprocal: Deu 12:5 – But unto 2Sa 7:9 – like unto Psa 46:4 – city Psa 50:2 – perfection Psa 84:1 – How Son 3:10 – General Son 5:9 – O thou Isa 4:5 – upon every Isa 48:2 – they call Isa 60:14 – The city Jer 3:17 – the throne Eze 7:20 – the beauty Hag 1:8 – and I will take Gal 4:26 – Jerusalem Eph 5:27 – glorious Rev 3:12 – the city Rev 21:2 – the holy
Psa 87:3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God As the prophet began, in a rapture, to speak of the holy city, so now, in a fresh transport, he changes the person, and suddenly addresses himself to it. The old Jerusalem was the city of God, and glorious things were therefore said of it by the Spirit. Pleasant for situation, and magnificent in its buildings, it was the delight of nations, the joy of the whole earth; there was the royal residence of the kings of Judah; there were the temple, and the ark, and the glory, and the king of heaven dwelling in the midst of her: her streets were honoured with the footsteps of the Redeemer of men; there he preached and wrought his miracles, lived, died, and rose again; thither he sent down his Spirit, and there he first laid the foundation of his church. Horne. Yet of this church of Christ, the gospel church, more glorious things are spoken. It is the spouse of Christ, the purchase of his blood, a peculiar people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High, the temple of God, and a habitation of God through the Spirit. And he, the Holy One of Israel, is said to be in the midst of her, and that therefore she shall not be moved; for he is mighty, and will save her; yea, he will rejoice over her with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over her with singing, 1Pe 2:9; Psa 46:5; Eph 2:21-22; Zep 3:17. Let us not be ashamed, then, of this church, in its meanest condition, nor of any that belong to it: let us not disown our relation to it, though it be turned never so much to our reproach, since such glorious things are spoken of it, and not one iota or tittle of what is said shall fall to the ground. We must remember, many base and ill things were spoken of Jerusalem by its enemies, to render it mean and odious; but by Him whose judgment is according to truth, glorious things were spoken of it; and therefore its genuine citizens, believing what God had spoken, rather than the slanders of its enemies, were not ashamed of it; and shall we be ashamed of that church, of which Jerusalem was but a type, and of which things so much more glorious are spoken by Him who cannot lie?
87:3 {b} Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
(b) Though your glorious estate does not yet appear, wait with patience and God will accomplish his promise.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
THE GLORY OF ZION
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes