Bible Strands
Psalms 69:35
For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist declares a future divine intervention to a community awaiting restoration. The statement follows a call for creation to praise God and precedes a promise of inheritance for His servants.
The words — The Hebrew verb יִבְנֶה (yivneh) means "he will rebuild," directly governing עָרֵי יְהוּדָה (arei Yehudah), "the cities of Judah." This verb pairs with יוֹשִׁיעַ (yoshi'a), "he will save," to outline God's dual action toward Zion and Judah.
The thread — The theme of divine restoration of Judah’s cities appears in Isaiah 44:26, which specifies that Jerusalem will be inhabited while the cities of Judah are rebuilt. The same restoration motif extends to Psalm 51:18 and Isaiah 46:13, where God’s saving work secures Zion’s prosperity and brings near His righteousness.
Why it lands — The text commands recognition that God initiates both salvation and physical restoration for His people. Readers must acknowledge that divine action precedes human dwelling and possession.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 44:26 who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’
- Psalms 51:18 In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 46:13 I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.
- Psalms 48:11 Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments.
- Psalms 102:16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
- Obadiah 1:17 But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will reclaim their possession.
- Ezekiel 36:35 Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’
- Revelation 14:1 Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
- Psalms 102:13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor—the appointed time has come.
- Psalms 147:12 Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!