Psalms 87:1-7

His foundation is in the holy mountains.

A material portrait of the spiritual Church

I. It is glorious in its elevation (Psalms 87:1). The spiritual Church is a city set upon a hill. Though elevated it is safe; its foundation is in the everlasting mountains. “Upon this rock,” etc.

II. It is specially regarded by God (Psalms 87:2). The infinitely loving One must be interested in all the works of His hand; even the sparrow that falls not to the ground without notice. But for those Christian men who constitute the true spiritual Church He has a special regard.

III. It is illustrious in its history (Psalms 87:3). Many glorious things had been said of Zion. It was said that they should call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord, and they should call all the nations to it; it was said they should come to see the city of Zion, and flow together to the goodness of the Lord. It was said by God (1 Kings 9:3; 2 Chronicles 7:16). But what far more glorious things have been said of the true Church. Read what victories she has won, not only in the time of the apostles, but in every subsequent age. It has been said of the true Church, that it is “a royal priesthood.”

IV. It is superior to all other communities (Psalms 87:4). Compare commercial, scientific, political, and other religious communities with it, and in all that is morally great and glorious, the brightest of their fires pales into dimness.

V. It is the birth-scene of the good (Psalms 87:5). In the true spiritual Church, souls are born again.

VI. It is divinely registered (Psalms 87:6). Jehovah kept a register of all that were born in Jerusalem, and so He does of all who are spiritually born in the true Church. “When He writeth up the people.” Ah I the time will come when He will write up a register of all true men. No others, however lofty in rank and illustrious in genius, will find a place in that book. No one shall enter heaven who is not found written in “The Lamb’s Book of Life.” VII. IT is infinite in its resources. “All my springs are in Thee.” This is what the poet says, as the representative of all that were born in Zion; and this is what all the members of the true spiritual Church can also say and most deeply feel. All my fountains are in Thee, in Thee, that is, in Zion or in God. If in Zion, it is from God. (Homilist.)

The city of God

I. Its foundation (Psalms 87:1). Christ’s charactor, teachings, miracles, and merit.

II. Its favour (Psalms 87:2). God canopies the city with His wing of covenant promise, and belts it with the attributes of His Being.

III. Its fame: (Psalms 87:3), (2 Chronicles 7:16; Psalms 132:13; Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 2:4).

IV. Its fraternity (Psalms 87:4). Here are the true aristocracy of souls, the real nobility of earth.

V. Its future (Psalms 87:5).

VI. Its fountains (Psalms 87:7). (J. O. Keen, D. D.)