“I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me … and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’… ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.’”
Psalm 87:4-5
Israel’s history is full of difficulty with the surrounding nations. Their conflict often resulted in tragedies, atrocities, and evil done against God’s people. Psalm 87 does a fairly good job of listing the worst of them. Rahab is a reference to Egypt who enslaved Israel for over 400 years. Babylon was the nation that eventually destroyed Jerusalem and carried her off into exile. The Philistines (along with their giant, Goliath) plagued Israel through the reign of King Saul and King David.
Yet here we find a song of Israel mentioning its greatest enemies being brought in and called children of God! Of Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, and all enemies of God and of His people it will be said, “This one was born in Zion.”
What a powerful song for us to sing! First, it speaks of us who were once enemies of God. Through Jesus, He has now said, “You are my child!” Secondly, it challenges us to sing the same today of our enemies. We are to pray for that one day, our enemies will “make music and sing, ‘All my fountains are in you’” (v. 7).
Yet here we find a song of Israel mentioning its greatest enemies being brought in and called children of God! Of Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, and all enemies of God and of His people it will be said, “This one was born in Zion.”
What a powerful song for us to sing! First, it speaks of us who were once enemies of God. Through Jesus, He has now said, “You are my child!” Secondly, it challenges us to sing the same today of our enemies. We are to pray for that one day, our enemies will “make music and sing, ‘All my fountains are in you’” (v. 7).
Scripture Focus
Psalm 87
Insight
For what reason would you be an enemy of God apart from Christ? Who is your enemy now? Listen to “Jesus, Thank You” by Sovereign Grace Music, 2003).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 51-52
- Psalm 127
- 2 Corinthians 8
