Psalms 78:67-69
He rejected the tent of Joseph; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God’s favor isn't permanent; even a place or people once chosen can be set aside when they stray. The psalmist points out that Shiloh, the central sanctuary in Ephraim's territory, was no longer God's chosen dwelling, marking a significant shift in His focus towards Judah.
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, including the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the focus shifts to God's decisive action in establishing a new center for worship. This leads to the rejection of the tribal center of Ephraim and the subsequent choice of Judah and Mount Zion for the Ark's permanent dwelling.
Have you ever felt like God's presence shifted in your life or community? This verse speaks to a monumental shift in Israel's history.
The psalmist here highlights a significant turning point: God, who had previously favored the tribe of Joseph (specifically Ephraim, his prominent son) and established the Tabernacle at Shiloh within its territory, now 'refused' this place and 'chose not' the tribe of Ephraim as its permanent home.
From Prominence to Passing Over
This wasn't a rejection of Joseph or Ephraim from being part of Israel, but a change in the location of God's concentrated presence and the tribe associated with that central sanctuary.
When one door closes, another opens. This verse points to a significant 'choice' that set Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah on a path toward national destiny.
While the psalmist notes God's rejection of Shiloh and Ephraim, he immediately pivots to God's positive choice, highlighting a profound reorientation of Israel's spiritual and political center.
A New Foundation
Understand the original words
ma'as · Hebrew Verb
The act of refusing, casting off, or setting aside someone or something, often signifying the withdrawal of divine favor or covenantal selection due to disobedience or shifting of divine purpose.
bachar · Hebrew Verb
To select, elect, or pick out from among others for a specific purpose or relationship. In scripture, this is the sovereign act of God choosing individuals or groups for His own holy ends.
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
The holy place where God dwells among His people. It refers to the Tabernacle or Temple, symbolizing God's presence, holiness, and the necessity of sacrifice and worship.
This verse reflects a pivotal moment when God's chosen dwelling place, and thus national preeminence, moved from Shiloh in Ephraim's territory to Jerusalem in Judah's, marking a significant shift in Israel's spiritual and political landscape.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Fall of Shiloh and Ark Capture
The Philistines attacked Israel, captured the Ark of the Covenant, and likely destroyed or desecrated the sanctuary at Shiloh, the religious center located in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim.
c. 1050 BC
Ark's Return to Kirjath-Jearim
After being held by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel and stayed in Kirjath-Jearim for about 20 years, indicating Shiloh was no longer the central sanctuary.
c. 1010 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem as Capital
King David conquered Jerusalem and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, establishing it as the new religious and political center of Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Shift of Preeminence to Judah
With Jerusalem as the center and David (from the tribe of Judah) as king, the religious and political prominence shifted decisively from Ephraim to Judah.
This passage declares that the scepter shall not depart from Judah, prophesying the shift in preeminence from the northern tribes like Joseph (which includes Ephraim) to the tribe of Judah.
1 Samuel 4:10-11This event directly illustrates the rejection of Shiloh, the sanctuary within Ephraim's territory, as the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, signifying God's departure from that location.
Jeremiah 7:12-14Jeremiah echoes this sentiment, warning the people that God will do to His sanctuary in Jerusalem what He did to Shiloh, highlighting the consequence of unfaithfulness and rejection of God's dwelling place.
2 Samuel 6:12-19This passage describes the triumphant bringing of the Ark to Zion, the stronghold of Judah, which became the new central place of worship, directly fulfilling the shift away from Ephraim's territory.
clarkePsalms 78:67: "Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:"
He refused the tabernacle of Joseph - See the note on Psalm 78:60 (note).
pulpitPsalms 78:67: "Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:"
Verse 67. - Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph. The "tabernacle of Joseph" is the sanctuary at Shiloh, which was north of Bethel, and thus within the limits of the tribe of Ephraim. When a permanent site was to be assigned to the tabernacle and the ark, God did not choose for them the position of Shiloh, but that of Jerusalem. And chose not the tribe of Ephraim. Ephraim had enjoyed the pr…
This verse highlights that God’s favor isn't permanent; even a place or people once chosen can be set aside when they stray. The psalmist points out that Shiloh, the central sanctuary in Ephraim's territory, was no longer God's chosen dwelling, marking a significant shift in His focus towards Judah.
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, including the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the focus shifts to God's decisive action in establishing a new center for worship. This leads to the rejection of the tribal center of Ephraim and the subsequent choice of Judah and Mount Zion for the Ark's permanent dwelling.
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, including the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the focus shifts to God's decisive action in establishing a new center for worship. This leads to the rejection of the tribal center of Ephraim and the subsequent choice of Judah and Mount Zion for the Ark's permanent dwelling.
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This transition from Shiloh (in Ephraim) to Zion (in Judah) wasn't about abandoning the people, but about establishing a new, more permanent, and divinely secured center of worship and governance, ultimately pointing towards the coming of a King from Judah.
"He rejected the tent of Joseph; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded…" — This verse highlights that God’s favor isn't permanent; even a place or people once chosen can be set aside when they stray. The psalmist points out that Shiloh, the central sanctuary in Ephraim's te…
