Psalm 87:7
Singers and pipers will proclaim, "All my springs of joy are in You."
Singers and pipers
This phrase evokes a vivid image of celebration and worship. In the Hebrew context, "singers" (Hebrew: שָׁרִים, sharim) and "pipers" (Hebrew: חָלִילִים, chalilim) were integral to temple worship and communal celebrations. The use of music in worship is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, as seen in the temple services led by the Levites. Historically, music was a means to express joy, gratitude, and reverence to God. The inclusion of both singers and pipers suggests a harmonious and comprehensive expression of worship, where both vocal and instrumental music unite to glorify God. This reflects the holistic nature of worship, engaging both the heart and the mind, and underscores the importance of music in spiritual life.

will say
The phrase "will say" (Hebrew: יֹאמְרוּ, yomru) indicates a declaration or proclamation. In the biblical context, speaking or declaring often carries the weight of testimony or witness. This suggests that the singers and pipers are not merely performing but are making a profound statement of faith and truth. Their proclamation is an act of witness to the source of their joy and life. This aligns with the biblical theme of testimony, where believers are called to declare the works and nature of God to others, thus spreading His glory and truth.

All my springs of joy
The word "springs" (Hebrew: מַעְיָנַי, ma'yanai) refers to sources of water, which in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, were vital for life and prosperity. Water is a common biblical metaphor for life, sustenance, and spiritual refreshment. The phrase "springs of joy" suggests that God is the ultimate source of life-giving joy and satisfaction. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a reference to the Holy Spirit, often symbolized by water, who brings joy and renewal to the believer's heart. The use of "all" emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of God as the source of true joy, leaving no need unmet.

are in You
This concluding phrase centers the entire verse on God as the focal point of joy and life. The Hebrew word for "in You" (בָּךְ, bach) signifies a deep, personal relationship with God. It is not merely about receiving blessings from God but finding one's entire being and satisfaction in Him. This reflects the biblical teaching that true joy and fulfillment are found not in external circumstances but in a relationship with God. Historically, Jerusalem, the city of God, was seen as the dwelling place of His presence, and thus, the source of spiritual life and joy for His people. This phrase invites believers to root their lives in God, recognizing Him as the wellspring of all that is good and life-giving.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Singers and Pipers
These are individuals who express joy and worship through music. In the context of ancient Israel, singers and musicians played a vital role in temple worship and celebrations.

2. Zion
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, Zion is the central place in Psalm 87. It represents the city of God, Jerusalem, and is symbolic of God's dwelling place and His chosen people.

3. The Springs of Joy
This metaphorical expression refers to the source of true joy and life, which is found in God alone. It signifies spiritual refreshment and sustenance.
Teaching Points
God as the Source of Joy
Recognize that true joy and fulfillment come from a relationship with God. Just as springs provide life-giving water, God provides spiritual nourishment and joy.

Worship Through Music
Embrace the role of music in worship as a means to express our joy and gratitude to God. Music can be a powerful tool to connect with God and celebrate His goodness.

Community in Worship
Understand the importance of communal worship. The mention of singers and pipers suggests a collective expression of joy, highlighting the value of gathering with others to worship God.

Spiritual Refreshment
Seek God as the source of spiritual refreshment in times of dryness or difficulty. Just as physical springs provide water, God offers renewal and strength.

Eternal Perspective
Keep an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate joy and satisfaction are found in God, both now and in the life to come.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can you incorporate music into your personal worship to enhance your connection with God?

2. In what ways can you seek God as your source of joy during challenging times?

3. How does understanding God as the source of "springs of joy" influence your perspective on material possessions and earthly achievements?

4. What role does community play in your worship experience, and how can you engage more deeply with others in worship?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as John 4:14 and Isaiah 12:3, deepen your understanding of God as the source of spiritual sustenance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 4:14
Jesus speaks of the living water that He provides, which becomes a spring of water welling up to eternal life. This connects to the idea of God being the source of all joy and spiritual sustenance.

Isaiah 12:3
This verse speaks of drawing water from the wells of salvation, paralleling the concept of God as the source of joy and salvation.

Revelation 22:1
Describes the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, symbolizing the eternal life and joy found in God's presence.
A Song of TriumphJ. A. Spurgeon.Psalm 87:7
Christ Jesus the Fountain of GraceR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Psalm 87:7
Joy Fountains in GodR. Tuck Psalm 87:7
Music an Epitome of LifeC. F. Carter.Psalm 87:7
Various Powers Used in God's ServiceR. Tuck Psalm 87:7
A Material Portrait of the Spiritual ChurchHomilistPsalm 87:1-7
The City of GodJ. O. Keen, D. D.Psalm 87:1-7
The Glory of the ChurchC. Short Psalm 87:1-7
The Habitation of GodS. Conway Psalm 87:1-7
People
Heman, Jacob, Korah, Mahalath, Psalmist, Rahab
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
88, Chief, Dance, Dancers, Ezrahite, Flutes, Fountains, Heman, Instruments, Joy, Korah, Leannoth, Mahalath, Maschil, Musician, Play, Players, Psalm, Sing, Singers, Song, Sons, Springs, Thoughts, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 87:7

     4236   fountain
     5420   music

Psalm 87:1-7

     7468   temple, rebuilding

Library
Whether Pain is a Passion of the Soul?
Objection 1: It would seem that pain is not a passion of the soul. Because no passion of the soul is in the body. But pain can be in the body, since Augustine says (De Vera Relig. xii), that "bodily pain is a sudden corruption of the well-being of that thing which the soul, by making evil use of it, made subject to corruption." Therefore pain is not a passion of the soul. Objection 2: Further, every passion of the soul belongs to the appetitive faculty. But pain does not belong to the appetitive,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Ancient Church
THE ANCIENT CHURCH: Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution, Traced for the First Three Hundred Years. BY W.D. KILLEN, D.D. Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Pastoral Theology to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God." PSALM lxxxvii. 3. NEW YORK: MDCCC.LIX.
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church

Our Status.
"And he believed in the Lord: and he counted it to him for righteousness." --Gen. xv. 6. The right touches a man's status. So long as the law has not proven him guilty, has not convicted and sentenced him, his legal status is that of a free and law-abiding citizen. But as soon as his guilt is proven in court and the jury has convicted him, he passes from that into the status of the bound and law-breaking citizen. The same applies to our relation to God. Our status before God is that either of the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Golden Calf
'And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3. And all the people brake off the golden
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch:
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
A.D. 33-A.D. 38 Before entering upon an account of the Foundation and After-History of the Christian Church, it may be well to consider what that Church really is. Section 1. Definition of the Church. [Sidenote: Twofold nature of the Church.] The Church may be regarded in a twofold aspect, as an external Corporation, and as a spiritual Body. [Sidenote: 1. An external Kingdom.] In the first light it is a Kingdom, in the world, though not of the world, extending through different and widely-separated
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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