Psalm 78:68-69
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The verse doesn't just say God chose Zion, but that He chose "Mount Zion, which He loved." This emphasizes that God's selection of this place wasn't a mere strategic decision, but an act rooted in His affection and desire for relationship with His people, a love that would eventually extend far beyond one mountain.
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)
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's great deeds. After detailing their wilderness wanderings and failures in the Promised Land, the psalm shifts to God's judgment and restoration, culminating in the rejection of Shiloh (associated with Ephraim) and the selection of Mount Zion and the tribe of Judah, from which King David was chosen.
Why would God reject a whole tribe and then choose another? This verse reveals a pattern of God's faithfulness even when people falter.
This verse highlights a significant shift in God's focus within Israel. For a long time, the tabernacle, representing God's presence, was associated with the tribe of Joseph (which included Ephraim) and located at Shiloh.
However, due to their unfaithfulness and the subsequent loss of the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines, Shiloh was rejected. God then turned His attention to the tribe of Judah.
This wasn't a random decision. It was a deliberate choice, fulfilling earlier prophecies (like Genesis 49:8-10) that indicated Judah would hold a position of prominence. This choice set the stage for David, a man from Judah, to become king and for Jerusalem, located in or near Judah's territory, to become the center of worship.
God doesn't just choose a people; He chooses a place. What makes Mount Zion so special in His eyes?
Mount Zion, and the city of Jerusalem built upon it, became the focal point of God's presence among His people. The phrase 'which he loved' is crucial here. It emphasizes that God's choice of Zion was not based on any inherent merit of the mountain or the people living there, but on His own sovereign affection and purpose.
This love signifies:
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Understand the original words
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 highlights a pivotal shift in Israel's history, moving from the prominence of the Ephraimite sanctuary at Shiloh to the divinely chosen centrality of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion under King David. This selection wasn't arbitrary but a deliberate act of God's love, setting the stage for the Davidic monarchy and the future Temple.
c. 1077 BC
Shiloh Destroyed and Ark Captured
The Philistines defeat Israel, capture the Ark of the Covenant, and destroy the sanctuary at Shiloh, a city within the territory of Ephraim. This event marks a significant low point for Israel and the rejection of Shiloh as God's dwelling place.
c. 1050 BC
Ark Returns to Israel
After being held by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant is returned to Israel but resides in various locations, including Kiriath-jearim, highlighting the lack of a permanent central sanctuary.
c. 1047 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel, following God's direction, anoints David, a descendant of Judah, as king over Israel, even though Saul is still on the throne. This act foreshadows the future Davidic dynasty and the centrality of Judah.
c. 1046 BC— this verse
David Captures Jerusalem
David, now king, successfully conquers the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem (Zion), located on the border between Judah and Benjamin. He establishes it as his capital city and brings the Ark of the Covenant there.
c. 1045 BC
Temple Plans Initiated
Following the establishment of his kingdom and the secure placement of the Ark on Mount Zion, David desires to build a permanent temple. Though he is forbidden, God promises his son Solomon will build it.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Builds the Temple
David's son, Solomon, builds the magnificent First Temple on Mount Zion, fulfilling David's vision and solidifying Jerusalem as the perpetual center of Israel's worship and God's presence.
This passage foretells the scepter belonging to Judah, which directly connects to the tribe's ultimate selection for leadership and God's dwelling place, as highlighted in Psalms 78:68.
2 Samuel 5:6-7This historical account details David, from the tribe of Judah, conquering Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and establishing it as his capital, showing the fulfillment of God's choice of Judah and Zion.
Psalm 87:2This psalm echoes the sentiment of God's love for Zion, reinforcing the specific choice mentioned in Psalms 78:68 and adding depth to the divine affection for that place.
1 Kings 8:44-48This passage describes Solomon dedicating the temple on Mount Zion, showing the culmination of God's choice of Zion for His worship, a theme initiated in Psalms 78:68.
pulpitPsalms 78:68: "But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved."
Verse 68. - But chose the tribe of Judah. The choice was made when David was, by God's command, anointed to be king (1 Samuel 16:1-12). The Mount Zion which he loved (comp. Psalm 87:2, "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob"). God, no doubt, inspired David with the thought of fixing his residence in "the stronghold of Zion" (2 Samuel 5:9), and of bringing up the ark of the covenant into…
expositorsPsalms 78:1-72: "Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78:1-72 THIS psalm is closely related to Psalm 105:1-45 ; Psalm 106:1-48 ; Psalm 107:1-43 . Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continu…
The verse doesn't just say God chose Zion, but that He chose "Mount Zion, which He loved." This emphasizes that God's selection of this place wasn't a mere strategic decision, but an act rooted in His affection and desire for relationship with His people, a love that would eventually extend far beyond one mountain.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's great deeds. After detailing their wilderness wanderings and failures in the Promised Land, the psalm shifts to God's judgment and restoration, culminating in the rejection of Shiloh (associated with Ephraim) and the selection of Mount Zion and the tribe of Judah, from which King David was chosen.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's great deeds. After detailing their wilderness wanderings and failures in the Promised Land, the psalm shifts to God's judgment and restoration, culminating in the rejection of Shiloh (associated with Ephraim) and the selection of Mount Zion and the tribe of Judah, from which King David was chosen.
"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." — The verse doesn't just say God chose Zion, but that He chose "Mount Zion, which He loved." This emphasizes that God's selection of this place wasn't a mere strategic decision, but an act rooted in Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
