What does Psalms 87:6 mean?

"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." - Psalms 87:6

"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." - Psalms 87:6

The verse Psalms 87:6 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." This verse, like many in the book of Psalms, is rich with layers of meaning and depth that provide important insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people.

To fully understand the context of this verse, it is important to look at the preceding verses in Psalm 87. The psalm as a whole is a declaration of the glory and significance of Zion, the city of God. The psalmist begins by extolling the various nations that have a connection to Zion, including Ethiopia, Philistia, Tyre, and even Babylon. Despite their diverse origins, the psalmist emphasizes that each of these nations has a special connection to Zion. This sets the stage for verse 6, which speaks to God's recognition and remembrance of the people who are associated with Zion.

The act of counting and writing up the people mentioned in this verse underscores the idea that God takes notice of and carefully records the details of each individual's life. This reflects the belief in God's omniscience and His intimate knowledge of His creation. The idea that "this man was born there" suggests that God not only sees and remembers the people associated with Zion, but also takes specific note of their origins and heritage. This can be interpreted as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His special care for those who are connected to His chosen city.

The use of the word "Selah" at the end of the verse is significant as well. Scholars and theologians have debated the exact meaning of this term, but it is generally understood to denote a pause or a moment of reflection. In the context of Psalm 87:6, the inclusion of "Selah" serves to emphasize the weight of the verse's message, prompting readers to ponder the significance of God's recognition and remembrance of His people.

From a thematic standpoint, this verse speaks to the themes of divine sovereignty, providence, and the special relationship between God and His people. It underscores the idea that God is intimately involved in the lives of individuals, carefully noting their origins and connections. This provides reassurance to believers that they are not overlooked or forgotten by God, but rather are seen and known by Him in a deeply personal way.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the imagery of God counting and writing up the people associated with Zion. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's meticulous care and attention to detail in His relationship with His people. It also evokes the image of a record book in which God keeps account of His beloved, further emphasizing the idea of His thorough knowledge and remembrance of each individual.

In conclusion, Psalm 87:6 offers a powerful testament to the divine recognition and remembrance of God's people. It is a reminder of God's omniscience, His providential care, and His special connection to those who are associated with His chosen city. This verse continues to inspire and comfort believers, inviting them to reflect on the profound truth of God's intimate knowledge and love for each of His children.

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Psalms 87:6 - "The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah."

Psalms 87:6 - "The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah."

"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." - Psalms 87:6

"The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." - Psalms 87:6

Psalms 87:3 - "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."

Psalms 87:3 - "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."

Psalms 87:1 - "His foundation is in the holy mountains."

Psalms 87:1 - "His foundation is in the holy mountains."

Psalms 87:7 - "As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee."

Psalms 87:7 - "As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee."

Psalms 87:5 - "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her."

Psalms 87:5 - "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her."

"They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts." - Psalms 119:87

"They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts." - Psalms 119:87

Psalms 87:2 - "The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob."

Psalms 87:2 - "The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob."

"His foundation is in the holy mountains." - Psalms 87:1

"His foundation is in the holy mountains." - Psalms 87:1

Psalms 119:87 - "They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts."

Psalms 119:87 - "They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts."

Psalms 87:4 - "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there."

Psalms 87:4 - "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there."

"Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah." - Psalms 87:3

"Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah." - Psalms 87:3

"I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there." - Psalms 87:4

"I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there." - Psalms 87:4

"As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee." - Psalms 87:7

"As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee." - Psalms 87:7

"The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." - Psalms 87:2

"The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." - Psalms 87:2

"And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." - Psalms 87:5

"And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." - Psalms 87:5

Psalms 126:6

Psalms 126:6

Psalms 115:6 - "They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:"

Psalms 115:6 - "They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:"

Psalms 30:6 - "And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."

Psalms 30:6 - "And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."

Psalms 129:6 - "Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:"

Psalms 129:6 - "Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:"

Psalms 144:6 - "Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them."

Psalms 144:6 - "Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them."

Psalms 74:6 - "But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers."

Psalms 74:6 - "But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers."

Psalms 6:6

Psalms 6:6

Psalms 80:6 - "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves."

Psalms 80:6 - "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves."

Psalms 114:6 - "Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?"

Psalms 114:6 - "Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?"

"They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless." - Psalms 94:6

"They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless." - Psalms 94:6

Psalms 130:6 - "My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning."

Psalms 130:6 - "My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning."

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

Psalms 118:6 - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"

"In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth." - Psalms 90:6

"In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth." - Psalms 90:6

Psalms 19:6 - "His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."

Psalms 19:6 - "His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."