Psalms 87:6 Commentary

Psalms 87:6 states, "The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." This verse is deeply embedded within the context of Zion, God's chosen city, and emphasizes the divine recognition of those who belong to His people.

Understanding the Context

This passage comes from a psalm expressing the glory of Zion as the center of worship and a place of belonging for God's people. It distinguishes those who are enumerated as citizens of the heavenly city, thereby underscoring their privileged status before God.

The Significance of Being Written Up

• Divine Enumeration: Much like a census, God's act of writing up the people signifies His intimate knowledge of His creation. As Albert Barnes notes, "He writes their names, makes a public acknowledgment of them."
• Covenant Relationship: Adam Clarke emphasizes that being counted as a citizen of Zion reflects a covenant relationship with God. This aligns with the thought that the faithful are granted citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
• The Theme of Birth: The phrase "this man was born there" suggests that the identity and destiny of God’s people are connected to their new birth in Christ, as Matthew Henry points out. This new birth signifies their spiritual heritage.

Theological Insights

This verse not only highlights the geographical significance of Zion but also touches upon profound theological themes regarding identity, belonging, and divine acceptance.

Identity in Christ

• As believers, their identity is rooted in the new birth and regeneration that Christ offers. Adam Clarke argues, "To be born in Zion signifies being born again through the Spirit."
• Matthew Henry suggests that the acknowledgment of individuals in the divine records acts as a source of comfort and assurance of one’s place in God’s eternal kingdom.

The Inclusivity of God's People

The phrase indicates that God's election is not limited to ethnic Jews but extends to all who come to faith in Christ, fulfilling the promise of redemption.

• Universal Call: This reinforces the idea reflected in the New Testament teaching where Paul speaks of neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28), indicating unity in Christ.

Application for Believers

This verse calls believers to reflect on their identity as citizens of heaven and exhorts them to live in ways that honor this calling.

Living as Citizens of Zion

• Embrace Your Identity: Christians are encouraged to embrace their identity as being "born in Zion," which carries implications for their behavior and mission.
• Assurance and Confidence: Believers can find confidence in knowing that their names are written in heaven, and this should motivate them toward holy living (Luke 10:20).

Conclusion

Psalms 87:6 beautifully encapsulates the notion of belonging to God’s people. It not just informs us about the character of Zion but also speaks to the heart of individual believers, affirming their identity, assuring their place in the divine narrative, and calling them to reflect the glory of God in their lives.

Final Thoughts

This psalm ultimately reveals the joy of being counted among God’s people. As Matthew Henry puts it, "To be born in Zion is to be a subject of the kingdom of grace." May all who read this verse find solace and strength in their identity as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem.