The author of this Psalm remains unknown, yet it was likely submitted to the sons of Korah, possibly the choir of that time. Though the writer chose to remain hidden, God reveals Himself through the message. This anonymity mirrors the Book of Hebrews, which also has an unknown author. Like Hebrews, this Psalm carries a noble theme: the city of God.
There is considerable confusion among believers regarding the Day of Judgment and the End Times. Some believe that God will descend upon a particular holy nation to initiate judgment. The term “rapture” is often used to describe what many envision happening when Jesus returns as Judge. However, all such ideas are rooted in human imagination and limited by our understanding. The reality of what will happen remains beyond our comprehension, as God has chosen not to reveal these details, keeping them hidden in His wisdom. God’s intent is not to frighten us into readiness, but rather to give us ample time and freedom to choose our path so that we may trust Him and embrace His unconditional love.
Does God Show Partiality?
He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, city of God: – Psalms 87:1-3 (NIV)
The author likely referred to Jerusalem as the City of God to help us understand that God empowered King David to establish a fortified city on a mountaintop. It was customary for the Jews to worship Yahweh in high places, a practice highlighted in the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, where she questioned the proper place of worship (John 4:20).
Unfortunately, many still hold the belief that God favors one nation—Israel—above all others. This perception persists, giving special status to Israel in the eyes of some believers. However, Scripture teaches that God’s love extends to all nations and all people. He offered His Son as atonement for the entire world (1 John 2:2). The name “Israel,” originally given to Jacob, symbolizes God’s hand upon all His followers, regardless of their nationality.
This portion of the Psalm draws attention to those who, rather than longing for the eternal Kingdom of God, choose to settle for earthly pilgrimage sites they regard as holy. But if that were God’s intent, Jesus would have established His kingdom in Rome. Instead, He said,
“I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me” – John 14:2–3 (NIV)
The City Of God For All Reborns
“I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush— and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.” The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” – Psalms 87:4-6 (NIV)
David built a fortified city to protect himself and his people from surrounding enemies. In contrast, God is preparing a New Jerusalem—not for one group, but for all people, regardless of caste, color, creed, or religion. This vision is powerfully echoed in the Book of Revelation:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9–10)
The Psalmist refers to a “register of the peoples,” a concept that aligns with what John later describes in Revelation 20:15—the Book of Life. Jesus also alludes to this when He tells Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).
Though these authors lived in entirely different eras and never met, their messages align—one spoke prophetically, and the other recorded the very words of Christ. Sadly, many misunderstand this continuity, claiming that the Old and New Testaments present different gods and teachings.
But Scripture affirms that God is unchanging—“the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He declares, “I AM who I AM.” In the New Testament, God does not instill fear in His people but removes it—offering His only Son as a redemptive gift of love, making the way for all to come to Him.
God Is My Fountain
As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.” – Psalms 87:7 (NIV)
Many view God primarily as a source of worldly blessings. However, the Psalmist declares that all his fountains are in God, pointing not to material provision, but to God as the true and ultimate source of life and joy. Another prophet, Zechariah, also speaks of a fountain—not one of riches, but one of cleansing:
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” – Zechariah 13:1 (NIV)
This imagery is echoed in Revelation Chapter 5, where the elders proclaim the worthiness of the Lamb, showing us that this fountain of grace reaches far beyond Israel. In fact, the Psalmist includes Rahab, Babylon, Cush, Philistia, and Tyre—a woman and the nations once seen as enemies of God or outside His covenant. This inclusion highlights the expansive reach of God’s mercy and redemption.
The Revelations By The Holy Spirit
As the author of this Psalm is unnamed, we may rightly consider the Holy Spirit as the sole and genuine Author, just as in the case of the Book of Hebrews. The following verses from Hebrews capture the essence and eternal vision presented in this Psalm, revealing God’s plan long before it was fully understood:
“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
(Hebrews 11:16, NIV)
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
Hebrews 12:22–24 (NIV)
This is why we must read the Word of God for ourselves—guided by the Holy Spirit—lest we be led astray by leaders who would root us in the temporary things of this world, which will one day pass away. Let us turn from man-made myths and fix our eyes on the eternal City of God, not built by human hands.
Lord, protect us from false teachings that lead us away from Your path.
Let Your Word be the lamp to our feet and the light to our path. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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