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Day 288

Psalm 87:2a "The LORD loves the gates of Zion..."

Day 288 – Psalm 87

“The LORD loves the gates of Zion…” Psalm 87:2a

THE BUILDING OF A CITY

Any city must be built on solid foundation. Jerusalem’s foundation could not be greater! It was built upon a holy mountain.

A city must also have “gates”. Zion had gates too.

“The LORD loves the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob.”
Psalm 87:2

1. The significance of “gates”

a) They defined the geographical limits of the city.
b) They offered protection from enemies.
c) They were the entrance to the city.
d) The centre of commerce was found at city gates.
e) Often trials were held at the gates of a city.
f) Legal transactions, like the buying and selling of properties were made at the gates before the elders of the land.

2. “The LORD loves the gates of Zion”

a) The gates represented the whole city.
b) Loving the gates of Zion was another way of speaking of love for Zion.

3. “More than all the dwellings of Jacob”

a) This was an expression of great affection.
i) Comparison was made with special intention.
ii) The comparison was not to disparage the other cities.
iii) The comparison was made to highlight God’s special love for Zion.
b) Comparison between two nouns.
i) Gates (to represent the city)
ii) Dwellings (to represent a city where people dwelled)