It is all joy now. Exuberantly expressed in song, dance, and music about God’s mighty work of salvation (see also Exodus 15:20–21 and Psalm 25:1 – 27:14). One cannot remain silent about this great work of redemption. That Ethiopian (i.e., Nubian or Cushite, Psalm 87:4) understands this well. He continues his way rejoicing
(Acts 8:39). He is forever moved by the good news about Jesus
(Acts 8:35). In this he resembles the woman from Samaria, who had to speak after having fathomed Jesus (John 4:39–42). Yes, we must remember Jesus when we read the concluding words of Psalm 87:7: All my springs are in you.
After all, he said to that woman: but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again
(John 4:14a). This also applies to what Jesus once said in the temple square (in Zion): If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water
(John 7:37b; John 7:38; cf. Isaiah 55:1; Isaiah 58:11; Ezekiel 47:1–12).
In order to visualize the depth and distance of the closing words of Psalm 87, we should think of Jesus’ church-gathering work. Calvin pointed to this in his interpretation of this Psalm when he wrote: Thus then the content of this Psalm is that the Church of God alone far surpasses all kingdoms and states, for God watches over her prosperity, and governs and reigns over her.
This can be something we can rely on when we experience that the church is oh so small and vulnerable in our eyes. Then it may be known what is said in another Psalm: As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore
(Psalm 125:2). The fountain of God’s love for Zion will never run dry. Whoever holds on to that and confesses this always finds cause for joy in God.
7 Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.”