Psalms 87:4 - Exposition

I will make mention of Rahab; i.e. of Egypt. The context requires this meaning, which is found also in Psalms 89:10 and in Isaiah 51:9 . Literally " Rahab " means "pride, arrogance." And Babylon. The fitting counterpart of Egypt, equally antagonistic to Israel, and equally lifted up with pride and presumption. To them that know me; rather, among them that know me ; i.e. as belonging to them, included in their number (comp. Isaiah 19:21 , "And the Lord shall be known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day;" and see also Psalms 72:11 , Psalms 72:17 ; Psalms 82:8 ; Isaiah 66:23 ). Behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia . Other hostile nations (comp. Psalms 83:7 ; 2 Chronicles 12:3 ; 2 Chronicles 14:9-13 ). This man was horn there. There is no "man" in the original, and it is better to understand "nation;" this, that, and the other nation—all those mentioned, and others—are grafted into Zion, and have a second birth there.