Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 87:3

Verses 2-3.

1. The foundation of Zion.

(a) It is but one: "foundation." (b) It is the Lord's: "his." (c) It is in conformity with holiness: "holy mountains." (d) It consists of eternal purposes.

(e) It is built up on immutable principles.

(f) It is situated in a glorious position.

2. The favour enjoyed by Zion.

(a) God "loves the dwellings of Jacob." He led, fed, guarded, lighted, visited them.

(b) He loves Zion "better"; and gives all those blessings in a richer form.

(c) There are more to love.

(d) Their occupations are more spiritual.

(e) Their songs and worship are more enthusiastic.

(f) Their testimony is more powerful.

(g) Their knowledge of truth is more clear.

(h) Their fellowship is on a scale more heavenly. Let us be in the Church, and love her.

3. The fame of Zion. "Glorious things are spoken",

(a) of her in history;

(b) in her by ministry;

(c) for her by Jesus;

(d) about her in prophecy.

Here is a fruitful theme.

The idea of the text presents the Church as "the city of God": let us touch upon some of the "glorious things" that are spoken of it.

1. There are glorious things with respect to the erection of the city.

(a) There is the plan of its erection. There was never a plan so faultless, so complete, so wonderful for its beauty and grandeur. The gates, the walls, the buildings, the streets, the monuments, the fountains, the gardens, unite to proclaim it a master piece of skill. The Architect was he who built the skies.

(b) There is the site where the city is erected. See Ps 87:1.

(c) There is the date of the city's erection. A halo and a glory attach, in a case like this, to great antiquity. Now it is long since the city was built. It was standing in the days of Paul "Ye are come unto the city of the living God." Heb 12:22. David was well acquainted with it. Ps 46:1-11.

(d) It was standing before the flood. Noah, Enoch, Abel, dwelt in it. It is almost as old as the creation.

2. There are glorious things to tell of the defences of the city. It has been besieged ever since it was a city at all, and it is not taken to this hour. "We have a strong city", etc.

3. There are glorious things in connection with the stores and supplies on which the city depends;

(a) their excellence;

(b) their abundance;

(c) their source.

4. There are glorious things respecting the King of the city; his name, person, character, etc.

5. There are glorious things in connection with the citizens of the day. —Andrew Gray, 1805-1861.