John Calvin Commentary Psalms 87:7

"They that sing as well as they that dance [shall say], All my fountains are in thee." — Psalms 87:7 (ASV)

The meaning of this verse is obscure, partly from its abrupt brevity, and partly from the ambiguity of one word. The word springs is, undoubtedly, to be taken metaphorically here; but interpreters do not agree on the explanation of the metaphor. Some understand it as denoting hopes, some affections, and others thoughts. If the idiom of the language permitted, I would gladly agree with the opinion of those who translate it melodies or songs. But as this might be considered unsupported by the usage of the Hebrew term, I am more inclined to adopt, as most suitable to the subject at hand, the opinion that lookings is the proper translation, the root of the word meaning an eye. It is as if the Psalmist had said, I will always be earnestly looking, as it were, with fixed eyes upon you.

Let us now consider the meaning of the other clause, The singers as the players upon instruments. This is, admittedly, an abrupt expression; but the meaning, about which there is general agreement, is that the reason for rejoicing will be so great that God's praises will continually resound in Zion, with the power of the living voice, as well as with musical instruments.

This, then, is a confirmation of what was said before regarding the glorious restoration of Zion; for by the greatness of the joy, and the diverse harmony and melody of praises, is portrayed the happiness that will prevail in its midst. At the same time, this describes the great purpose of all the gifts God has so generously bestowed upon His Church: namely, that the faithful, through hymns and songs, should testify to their remembrance of His benefits and gratefully acknowledge them.

The Hebrew word חוללים, cholelim, which we have translated as the players upon instruments, is translated by some as those who dance to the sound of instruments. But this is not a matter of great importance; it is enough to understand the meaning, in short, to be this: that there will be a continual concert of God's praises in the Church, where He unfolds the treasures of His grace, and that the faithful will be heard singing in succession and in response.

Moreover, the prophet shows his exceptional love for the Church, and the exceptional care and zeal he showed for her, to encourage and inspire all the godly, by his example, to cultivate and show the same zeal, in agreement with what is stated in another psalm:

“If I forget thee, O Jerusalem! let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” (Psalms 137:5)

All our affections are then fixed on the Church when, gathered from the vague and vain objects that distract them, and viewing with indifference the honors, pleasures, riches, and displays of the world, they find enough to engage and satisfy them in the spiritual glory of Christ’s kingdom, and in that alone.