Psalm 78:67-72
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What's often missed here is that God's rejection wasn't about casting off the people of Joseph or Ephraim forever, but specifically about where His dwelling place, the Ark, would reside. This signifies a profound shift, moving the center of worship from the territory of Ephraim to Zion in Judah, marking a deliberate redirection of national focus and favor.
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. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a significant shift in God's dwelling place among His people, moving away from the central sanctuary at Shiloh in the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated failures and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm reveals God's decision to reject Shiloh. Instead, He chooses Jerusalem on Mount Zion in the tribe of Judah as His permanent dwelling, signifying a new era that culminates in the establishment of David's kingship.
Did you know that God's dwelling place among His people wasn't always Jerusalem? This psalm reveals a significant shift.
This verse speaks of a pivotal moment in Israel's history where God's presence, symbolized by the tabernacle and the Ark, was moved from Shiloh in the territory of Ephraim to Zion in the territory of Judah.
Ask a follow-up
Why would the Psalmist specifically call out Ephraim? This verse touches on the rise and fall of tribal influence.
The rejection of the 'tent of Joseph' and the 'tribe of Ephraim' is deeply tied to the shifting power dynamics within Israel, with God ultimately directing this change.
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.
tom · Hebrew Noun
Referring to a state of moral integrity, sincerity, and ethical purity; it describes a person whose inner motivations and outward actions are aligned with God's will.
nachah · Hebrew Verb
The act of leading, directing, or showing the way; it implies divine or wise instruction and the provision of leadership that keeps people on the correct path.
tebunah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to competence, discernment, and the ability to act with wisdom and precision; in a leadership context, it signifies the capacity to manage, protect, and provide for others effectively.
The rejection of Shiloh and Ephraim in favor of Zion and Judah signifies a divine shift in the locus of worship and kingship, moving from the northern Joseph tribes to the southern tribe of Judah, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that shaped its future identity.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Fall of Shiloh and Ark Capture
The Philistines defeat the Israelites, capture the Ark of the Covenant, and destroy the sanctuary at Shiloh, the tribal center of Ephraim. This event marks a significant shift in Israel's religious and political landscape.
c. 1050 BC
Ark Returns to Kirjath-Jearim
After being held by the Philistines, the Ark is returned to Israel but is not brought back to Shiloh. It rests in Kirjath-Jearim for approximately 20 years, signifying Shiloh's diminished importance.
c. 1020 BC
Saul Anointed King
Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, is anointed king, marking the transition to a monarchy. However, the religious center remains unsettled.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital. He brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing Zion as the new center of worship.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple in Jerusalem on Mount Zion, solidifying Judah's preeminence and the permanent religious and political center of Israel.
This passage directly references the destruction of Shiloh, the sanctuary in Ephraim's territory, serving as a warning about God's abandonment of His dwelling place due to sin.
1 Samuel 4:10-11This account details the Philistines capturing the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, marking the end of its prominence and foreshadowing God's rejection of that location for worship.
Genesis 49:10This prophecy by Jacob indicates that the scepter (representing authority and rulership) would depart from Judah, which eventually happened as God shifted His focus from Joseph (and Ephraim) to Judah.
Psalm 87:1-2This psalm speaks of God's love for Zion and Jerusalem, highlighting the establishment of His sanctuary there, which directly contrasts with the rejection of the earlier sanctuary in Ephraim's territory.
1 Kings 12:16-17This event describes the division of the kingdom, where the northern tribes (largely Ephraim) rebelled and established their own worship centers, ultimately leading to their spiritual and political separation from Judah and Jerusalem.
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…
What's often missed here is that God's rejection wasn't about casting off the people of Joseph or Ephraim forever, but specifically about where His dwelling place, the Ark, would reside. This signifies a profound shift, moving the center of worship from the territory of Ephraim to Zion in Judah, marking a deliberate redirection of national focus and favor.
This passage marks a significant shift in God's dwelling place among His people, moving away from the central sanctuary at Shiloh in the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated failures and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm reveals God's decision to reject Shiloh. Instead, He chooses Jerusalem on Mount Zion in the tribe of Judah as His permanent dwelling, signifying a new era that culminates in the establishment of David's kingship.
This passage marks a significant shift in God's dwelling place among His people, moving away from the central sanctuary at Shiloh in the territory of Ephraim. After recounting Israel's repeated failures and the Philistines' capture of the Ark, the psalm reveals God's decision to reject Shiloh. Instead, He chooses Jerusalem on Mount Zion in the tribe of Judah as His permanent dwelling, signifying a new era that culminates in the establishment of David's kingship.
"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…" — What's often missed here is that God's rejection wasn't about casting off the people of Joseph or Ephraim forever, but specifically about where His dwelling place, the Ark, would reside. This signi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
