Some have suggested that since the psalm speaks of individuals being born in Zion, it refers to exiles who have left Zion and now live elsewhere. These exiles will come home; the Lord will bring them home. This interpretation, however. is very unlikely and runs contrary to the natural reading of the text.1
Instead, being born in Zion is the image used to depict the conversion of nations as their inhabitants becomes citizens of the heavenly kingdom now manifest on earth.2 The psalm is looking forward to a time when individuals from Egypt and Babylon will come to be counted as people who were born in Jerusalem.3 It is looking forward to the day when Gentiles will become part of God’s church (Isaiah 2:2–4).
5 And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her.