A common misinterpretation views this verse as endorsing a literal, ethnic inclusion without spiritual transformation, suggesting physical origin in these nations automatically grants belonging to God's people, ignoring the psalm's metaphorical emphasis on divine adoption and regeneration; others allegorize 'Rahab' as a demonic entity or twist it into modern geopolitical prophecies, distorting the core theme of Zion's universal spiritual citizenship rooted in God's sovereign election.
Psalms 87:4
King James Version (1769)
4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
Psalms 87:4 poetically envisions Zion as the spiritual birthplace of believers from diverse nations, including Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, underscoring God's redemptive plan to incorporate Gentiles into His covenant people through faith, celebrating Jerusalem's role as the holy city where people from all ethnic backgrounds are counted as native sons and daughters in the kingdom of God.