I will make mention of {c} Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; {d} this man was born there.

(c) That is, Egypt and these other countries will come to the knowledge of God.

(d) It will be said of him who is regenerate and come to the Church, that he is as one who was born in the Church.

Wesley's Notes

87:4 Rahab - Egypt, so called, either from its pride or natural strength. Babylon - Under these two and Philistia, the constant enemies of Israel, he seems to understand all the enemies of the church of God, who shall now be not only reconciled but united to them. Arabia - The nations on every side of them, for Tyre was on the north, Arabia on the South; those nearest to them, and those more remote from them.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. This is what is spoken by God.

to them . me-literally, "for My knowers," they are true worshippers (Ps 36:10; Isa 19:21). These are mentioned as specimens.

this-that is, nation

was born there-Of each it is said, "This was born," or is a native of Zion, spiritually.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

87:4-7 The church of Christ is more glorious and excellent than the nations of the earth. In the records of heaven, the meanest of those who are born again stand registered. When God renders to every man according to his works, he shall observe who enjoyed the privileges of his sanctuary. To them much was given, and of them much will be required. Let those that dwell in Zion, mark this, and live up to their profession. Zion's songs shall be sung with joy and triumph. The springs of the joy of a carnal worldling are in wealth and pleasure; but of a gracious soul, in the word of God and prayer. All grace and consolation are derived from Christ, through his ordinances, to the souls of believers.