THE Place To Worship - Psalm 87-89

Psalms 87 (ESV)

A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH. A SONG.

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;

2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion

more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.

3 Glorious things of you are spoken,

O city of God. Selah

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;

behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—

“This one was born there,” they say.

5 And of Zion it shall be said,

“This one and that one were born in her”;

for the Most High himself will establish her.

6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,

“This one was born there.” Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say,

“All my springs are in you.”

This Psalm is a praise and jubilation song about Jerusalem, often referred to in scripture as Mount Zion, on Zion.   In many places of the psalms we read about the destruction of nations or punishment on nations, particularly Israel.   Here, however, it a great praise song about the major city of Israel, Jerusalem.   In the proceeding Psalm we read the following: 

Psalms 86:8-10 (ESV)

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,

nor are there any works like yours.

All the nations you have made shall come

and worship before you, O Lord,

and shall glorify your name.

For you are great and do wondrous things;

you alone are God.

Jerusalem is that place where all the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and glorify your name.  Jerusalem is the place.   This song reflects how important it is even to be born in Jerusalem.    Jesus died in Jerusalem.  Jesus will return to Jerusalem (Revelation 14).   God has put this place as THE place.   Even though heaven is our home, this Psalm shows that God has special places on this earth that He counts significant in His plan for His Kingdom.