Psalm 78:67-71
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This verse highlights a subtle shift in God's focus, not as a rejection of Joseph's descendants entirely, but as a specific turning away from Shiloh in Ephraim's territory as the permanent dwelling place for worship. It marks a significant moment where God chose to relocate the center of His presence, favoring Zion and ultimately the lineage of Judah, signifying a new era in His covenant relationship with His people.
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. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a significant shift in God's chosen dwelling place, moving away from the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm highlights God's decision to abandon Shiloh, the sanctuary located in the tribe of Joseph's descendant, Ephraim. This rejection foreshadows the establishment of Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah as the new center of worship.
Ever felt like a place you love lost its special meaning? God sometimes shifts the spiritual center of gravity, and it's not because He's fickle, but because He's sovereign.
This verse reveals a pivotal moment in Israel's history: God actively chose to reject the established sanctuary at Shiloh, located within the territory of the tribe of Joseph (specifically Ephraim). This wasn't an accident or a result of Philistine destruction alone, but a deliberate divine decision.
Why Shiloh Mattered
For generations, Shiloh was the heart of Israel's worship. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the central place of God's dwelling among His people. Think of it like a beloved, long-standing church building that suddenly needs to be relocated.
The Divine Rejection
But God declared, 'I refuse Shiloh.' He didn't choose Ephraim to be the permanent home for His presence. This wasn't a punishment on Joseph's descendants for all time, but a redirection. The text emphasizes that God was establishing a new center of worship, one that would ultimately lead to Zion and Jerusalem. This highlights that God's presence isn't tied to a location or a tribe; He can and does shift the 'where' of His dwelling according to His perfect plan.
For a time, one tribe seemed to hold the nation's spiritual spotlight. But history shows that favor can shift, and God's ultimate plan often unfolds through unexpected channels.
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The rejection of Ephraim is directly linked to the choosing of Judah. For a significant period, the tribe of Ephraim (descended from Joseph) held a position of prominence, especially after Joshua (an Ephraimite) led Israel into the Promised Land, and Shiloh was established within their territory.
The Shifting of Power
However, as the psalm indicates, God moved the center of His worship away from Ephraim. This paved the way for the ascendancy of Judah. Later, King David, from the tribe of Judah, would establish Jerusalem (in Judah's territory) as the new, permanent dwelling place for the Ark and the sanctuary.
God's Purposeful Design
This wasn't arbitrary. The commentators suggest this shift was part of God's long-range plan, foreshadowed even in Genesis 49:10, where the scepter was destined to come from Judah. While Ephraim had a significant role, God's ultimate purpose for national leadership and worship centered on Judah, culminating in the lineage of David and eventually Jesus Christ.
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.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who serves a master or superior. In a theological context, a servant of God is one who submits fully to the divine will, living in obedience and fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Lord.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
The action of caring for, leading, protecting, and feeding a flock of animals, used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the role of God or human leaders (kings/prophets) in relation to His people.
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name given to the patriarch; it refers to the covenant people of God, often highlighting their human origin and historical struggles.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God; it refers to the nation as God's chosen people, emphasizing their spiritual identity and relationship with the Almighty.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
That which is received as a possession, often referring to God's relationship with His people; it denotes something special, precious, and set apart for Him.
The rejection of Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim signified a major shift in God's favor from the northern territories to Judah and Jerusalem, a move that set the stage for the future division of the kingdom.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Destruction of Shiloh
The Philistines sacked the sanctuary at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant had been housed for generations within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. This event marked a significant spiritual and political crisis for Israel.
c. 1070 BC
Ark of the Covenant Relocated
After its capture and return by the Philistines, the Ark was not brought back to Shiloh. It resided in Kirjath-jearim, a town in Judah, for about twenty years, indicating a shift in the central place of worship.
c. 1050 BC
Ark of the Covenant Moved to Jerusalem
King David, having established his capital in Jerusalem (Mount Zion) in the territory of Judah, brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city. This solidified Jerusalem as the new religious and political center of Israel.
c. 1010 BC
Reign of King David
David's reign saw the consolidation of the kingdom under the tribe of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital and the Ark now permanently situated there. This marked the end of Ephraim's prominence as the tribal center.
This verse speaks of the scepter not departing from Judah, foreshadowing the shift of prominence and God's dwelling place from the northern tribes like Ephraim to the tribe of Judah.
1 Samuel 4:10-11This passage describes the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines from Shiloh, marking the end of Ephraim's prominence as the center of worship and God's presence.
Jeremiah 7:12-14Jeremiah uses the destruction of Shiloh as a warning to the people of Judah, illustrating God's willingness to abandon His sanctuary if His people turn away from Him, echoing the rejection of Ephraim's center of worship.
2 Samuel 6:12-19This passage shows David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (Zion) in the territory of Judah, marking the new, chosen center of worship and the definitive transfer of God's dwelling place away from Ephraim.
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 a subtle shift in God's focus, not as a rejection of Joseph's descendants entirely, but as a specific turning away from Shiloh in Ephraim's territory as the permanent dwelling place for worship. It marks a significant moment where God chose to relocate the center of His presence, favoring Zion and ultimately the lineage of Judah, signifying a new era in His covenant relationship with His people.
This passage marks a significant shift in God's chosen dwelling place, moving away from the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm highlights God's decision to abandon Shiloh, the sanctuary located in the tribe of Joseph's descendant, Ephraim. This rejection foreshadows the establishment of Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah as the new center of worship.
This passage marks a significant shift in God's chosen dwelling place, moving away from the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm highlights God's decision to abandon Shiloh, the sanctuary located in the tribe of Joseph's descendant, Ephraim. This rejection foreshadows the establishment of Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah as the new center of worship.
"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 a subtle shift in God's focus, not as a rejection of Joseph's descendants entirely, but as a specific turning away from Shiloh in Ephraim's territory as the permanent dwelling p…
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Last reviewed October 2026
