Background to Psalms 87

His foundation is in the holy mountains.
The Lord loves the gates of Zion
More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God. Selah.
“I shall mention Rahab and Babylon ]among those who know Me;
Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia:
‘This one was born there.’”
But of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”;
And the Most High Himself will establish her.
The Lord will count when He registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah.
Then those who sing as well as those who [e]play the flutes shall say,
“All my springs of joy are in you.”

This psalm inspired John Newton who wrote this hymn, Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken.

Click here for the history of this song. This is a modern rendition. 

Can you see how echoes of Psalms 87 is found in the psalm.
Try singing both the psalm and the hymn.