Written by the Korahites; a psalm, a song.

The Korahites wrote this song sometimes between the times of David and Nehemiah. This song was to be sung by the Levitical priests at the Jewish festivals.

87:1 The Lord’s city is in the holy hills. 

During the Millennial Kingdom. Jerusalem will become the capital city of the world. It will sit on top of the mountains in Jerusalem.

87:2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. 

The Lord loves Jerusalem. Out of all of the cities in the world, the Lord chose Jerusalem to become His capital city of the Millennial Kingdom.

87:3 People say wonderful things about you, O city of God. (Selah) 

The people of the modern satanic world system are not saying nice things about Jerusalem. However, they will change their tune during the Millennial Kingdom.

87:4 I mention Rahab and Babylon to my followers. Here are Philistia and Tyre, along with Ethiopia. It is said of them, “This one was born there.” 

Rahab was a sea monster in Egypt. It is also another name for Egypt. Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will all become Millennial Kingdom cities full of believers.

87:5 But it is said of Zion’s residents, “Each one of these was born in her, and the sovereign One makes her secure.” 

During the Millennial Kingdom, all of these Gentile nations (and former enemies of Israel) will be born again (or born from above, as the original Greek suggests). The sovereign Lord chose them before the foundations of the world to be a part of His Millennial Kingdom. These former enemies of isarel will be eternally and physically secure during the Millennial Kingdom.

87:6 The Lord writes in the census book of the nations, “This one was born there.” (Selah) 

The names of these believers are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. God’s writing their names in a register figuratively describes His ensuring them a place in Zion. The psalmists asked the congregation to meditate and think about this biblical doctrine.

87:7 As for the singers, as well as the pipers— all of them sing within your walls. 

All of the singers during the Millennial Kingdom will sing from inside of the walls of the New Jerusalem.