Psalm 87:4 – How can Rahab (often associated with Egypt) and Babylon both be said to belong to Zion if they were historically distinct cultures?

Introduction

Psalm 87:4 reads: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge Me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—when they say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” At first glance, the idea that Rahab (often associated with Egypt) and Babylon can belong to Zion seems perplexing, as these were historically distinct and sometimes hostile nations. However, exploring the cultural, linguistic, and theological context of Psalm 87 reveals how these nations—and all others—are ultimately under the sovereign plan of the One enthroned in Zion.

1. Historical and Linguistic Considerations

Rahab is regularly used in Scripture as a poetic or symbolic name for Egypt (e.g., Isaiah 30:7). “Rahab,” in Hebrew, can convey a sense of pride or strength and, by extension, can represent Egypt’s might. Babylon was the empire that took Judah into exile (2 Kings 25). Both names stand out as powerful entities in Israel’s history that, in earlier days, opposed or controlled portions of God’s covenant people.

Psalm 87’s reference to these distant nations fits well within a biblical framework where “the earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Although Rahab/Egypt and Babylon are historically distinct cultures, the psalm points beyond mere geography. It envisions a day where even former adversaries or distant lands are counted among those who acknowledge the One true God.

2. Broader Context of Psalm 87

Psalm 87 exalts Zion (Jerusalem) as the city founded by God. The text emphasizes that God’s presence and blessing set Zion apart (Psalm 87:1–3). Against this backdrop, verse 4 highlights God’s plan to include peoples from beyond Israel. Multiple nations—Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—are noted. The key phrase “I will record … among those who acknowledge Me” underscores that God’s saving reach extends past the borders of ethnic Israel.

Also relevant is the reference “This one was born in Zion,” which conveys citizenship or belonging. Even those from historically unbelieving nations can, by God’s grace, be numbered among the faithful who worship the Lord in Zion. This resonates with the biblical teaching in places such as Isaiah 19:21–25, where we see Egypt and Assyria (just like Babylon) prophesied to worship the Lord together with Israel.

3. Theological Significance: All Belonging to God

Scripture consistently affirms that all nations will one day be gathered in worship of the Creator (Psalm 22:27; Revelation 7:9). The mention of Rahab and Babylon typifies that even those who were once antagonists are ultimately under God’s rule. This message resonates with the larger narrative of redemption: repentant peoples from every corner of the world will be named among God’s people.

From a theological perspective, this inclusion foreshadows the uniting of Jew and Gentile in the plan of salvation (Ephesians 2:11–22). Old Testament prophets also repeatedly stressed that Gentile nations would come to Jerusalem to worship (Zechariah 8:22–23). Thus, while Rahab/Egypt and Babylon were distinct and even hostile in earlier times, their eventual incorporation in the people of God aligns with the scriptural testimony that God’s kingdom is universal.

4. Illustrations from History and Archeology

Ancient records such as the Cyrus Cylinder (circa sixth century BC) show how empires like Babylon eventually allowed displaced populations—including the exiled Jews—to return and rebuild their sanctuaries. Although this artifact primarily addresses Cyrus’s policy of tolerance, it underscores the historical reality that erstwhile conquerors, like Babylon, did not remain invincible empires. In time, the biblical promise that all nations will acknowledge God resonates with how these once-dominant powers receded into history.

Similarly, Egyptian and Babylonian chronicles attest to the vast reach of these empires but do not erase the persistent presence of worshipers of the God of Israel, even in foreign courts (Daniel 1:1–6, Genesis 41:37–45). These accounts mesh with the biblical record of God’s people surviving under foreign rule and, in due time, influencing those empires’ understanding of the divine.

5. Prophetic and Eschatological Perspective

Psalm 87 finds ultimate fulfillment from a broad eschatological lens. Throughout Scripture, prophecies describe a future when people from all nations will genuinely come to Zion (Isaiah 2:2). Even though historical Egypt (Rahab) and Babylon had distinct languages, cultures, and at times animosity toward Israel, the prophetic view extends beyond those barriers. People from every era—Egyptians, Babylonians, and all others—could be “reborn” as it were and find spiritual citizenship in Zion.

Historical belonging to different empires does not preclude spiritual belonging in God’s kingdom. This perspective provides a robust theological foundation for recognizing that God’s purpose includes redemption for those once considered strangers or even enemies of Israel.

6. The Consistency of the Scriptural Message

The biblical text reinforces a consistent message of God’s sovereignty: He rules over all nations, and He brings all to accountability. While it may appear contradictory that Egypt and Babylon could be said to belong to Zion, the narrative of Scripture clarifies that this inclusion refers to a spiritual belonging. The rest of Psalm 87 clarifies that these nations are “recorded” among those who acknowledge the Lord. That universal invitation echoes throughout the Bible, from the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3) to the New Testament vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation redeemed (Revelation 7:9).

7. Practical Reflection

• The mention of Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon in Psalm 87 highlights the global scope of God’s redemptive plan.

• Even those historically opposed to God’s people can, by His mercy, come to regard the God of Zion as their own.

• In a broader sense, Psalm 87 calls readers to see the transformation that comes when God’s grace overcomes old boundaries.

Conclusion

Psalm 87:4’s reference to Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon belonging to Zion underscores the universal domain of God’s sovereignty and the all-encompassing reach of His redemptive plan. Although different nations may have stood opposed to Israel in times past, Scripture foresees a future in which those who once were strangers to God become full participants in the life of Zion. This is not a contradiction but a profound demonstration of divine mercy and fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations who turn to Him.

In this grand tapestry, Rahab and Babylon are not merely historical footnotes. They serve as reminders that every people group, even those with tumultuous histories, can find spiritual citizenship in Zion. This truth resonates across the pages of Scripture, forming a consistent message of hope, redemption, and God’s loving authority over all creation.