On the holy mount, stands the city he founded;
the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Our church is built on the firm foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with our Lord Jesus as the cornerstone. Glory be to God for the church and and the unchanging truth of the gospel!
This psalm is a prophecy of the conversion of Israel’s enemies and their inclusion among the people of God. Rahab, which stands for Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush (that is, Ethiopia), were all great enemies but they will one day come to you, O LORD, the one true and living God. Not only will they acknowledge you, but they will praise you and worship you as true sons and daughters, aliens and enemies no more.
We see this prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament as Jesus comes to proclaim his gospel not only to the Jews but to the gentiles. In the church there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, male and female, slave and free; all those in Christ receive the same blessing of salvation equally. We have been grafted into the true vine. So let our lives bear fruit to your glory in gratitude for what you have done for us.
In Christ’s name. AMEN