Psalm 87

Calvin says that attending to the circumstances of this psalm will in no small degree contribute to a proper understanding its contents. The key to unlocking the circumstances is the word “foundations” (v1) and the focus upon “Zion.” Written to the post-exile generation, this psalm addressed those who were sick in heart due to the deferment of fulfilled promises. The Lord responded to the heavy hearted by proclaiming His steadfast love and prophesied of the great work He would yet do in gathering and preserving His Church.