Psalms 87:4
Context87:4 I mention Rahab 1 and Babylon to my followers. 2
Here are 3 Philistia and Tyre, 4 along with Ethiopia. 5
It is said of them, “This one was born there.” 6
Psalms 137:8
Context137:8 O daughter Babylon, soon to be devastated! 7
How blessed will be the one who repays you
for what you dished out to us! 8
1 sn “Rahab,” which means “proud one,” is used here as a title for Egypt (see Isa 30:7).
2 tn Heb “to those who know me” (see Ps 36:10). Apparently the
3 tn Heb “Look.”
4 map For location see Map1 A2; Map2 G2; Map4 A1; JP3 F3; JP4 F3.
5 tn Heb “Cush.”
6 tn Heb “and this one was born there.” The words “It is said of them” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied for clarification and stylistic purposes (see v. 5). Those advocating the universalistic interpretation understand “there” as referring to Zion, but it seems more likely that the adverb refers to the nations just mentioned. The foreigners are identified by their native lands.
7 tn Heb “O devastated daughter of Babylon.” The psalmist dramatically anticipates Babylon’s demise.
8 tn Heb “O the happiness of the one who repays you your wage which you paid to us.”