Psalms 78:68-70
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that God chose Judah and Mount Zion, not because of any inherent merit in the tribe or the mountain, but simply because He loved it. This emphasizes that God's favor and His chosen dwelling place stem from His own affection, not from human worthiness.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, especially during the time of the Judges and the loss of the Ark at Shiloh, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice and establishment of a new center for His presence and rule. This pivot leads to the selection of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, setting the stage for David's kingship.
Psalm 78 recounts Israel's repeated failures, leading to God's judgment. But then, a dramatic shift occurs. What caused God to turn His attention from one tribe to another?
The psalm highlights a significant turning point in Israel's history. After emphasizing the failures and rejection of the tribe of Ephraim (and the tabernacle at Shiloh), the text pivots sharply.
The Rejection of Ephraim:
The Choice of Judah:
Why Judah? Why Zion? The psalm offers a simple yet profound reason: God's love. What does this tell us about the nature of God's election?
The reason for God's choice of Judah and Zion is explicitly stated: 'which he loves.' This underscores a crucial biblical principle:
Election Rooted in Love:
Love as a Permanent Foundation:
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.
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.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment when God shifts the center of His presence and national focus from the northern tribes, particularly Ephraim, to the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, setting the stage for the Davidic dynasty and the Temple.
c. 1050 BC
Rejection of Shiloh, Tabernacle of Joseph
Following repeated infidelity and the capture of the Ark by the Philistines, the sanctuary at Shiloh, associated with the tribe of Ephraim (part of Joseph), is permanently abandoned. This signifies God's displeasure with the tribe's spiritual unfaithfulness.
c. 1050-1010 BC
Ark of the Covenant's Journeys
After its return from Philistine hands, the Ark of the Covenant moves through various locations like Kiriath-Jearim, showing a period of instability for the central place of worship.
c. 1010 BC
David Conquers Jerusalem (Zion)
King David, from the tribe of Judah, captures the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem (Mount Zion). This strategic and central location becomes his capital city.
c. 1007 BC— this verse
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Zion
David joyfully brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem on Mount Zion, establishing it as the new, beloved center of Israel's worship and God's presence.
This verse directly foreshadows the royal line coming through Judah, establishing the significance of this tribe's later selection for leadership and God's dwelling place.
2 Samuel 5:6-7This passage recounts David, from the tribe of Judah, capturing Jerusalem (Zion), fulfilling the promise and making it the chosen dwelling place for the Ark and God's presence.
1 Kings 8:44-48Solomon, David's son, prays at the dedication of the Temple on Mount Zion, acknowledging God's choice of this place and tribe, and appealing for His favor, even in exile.
Isaiah 2:2-3This prophecy highlights Mount Zion's future exaltation and the nations streaming to it, emphasizing its enduring importance as God's chosen dwelling, beloved above all others.
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 highlights that God chose Judah and Mount Zion, not because of any inherent merit in the tribe or the mountain, but simply because He loved it. This emphasizes that God's favor and His chosen dwelling place stem from His own affection, not from human worthiness.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, especially during the time of the Judges and the loss of the Ark at Shiloh, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice and establishment of a new center for His presence and rule. This pivot leads to the selection of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, setting the stage for David's kingship.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's faithfulness. After detailing Israel's failures and God's judgments, especially during the time of the Judges and the loss of the Ark at Shiloh, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice and establishment of a new center for His presence and rule. This pivot leads to the selection of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, setting the stage for David's kingship.
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c. 970-931 BC
Solomon Builds the Temple on Zion
David's son, Solomon, builds a magnificent permanent Temple on Mount Zion, solidifying Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah as the enduring heart of Israel's religious and national life.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (primarily Ephraim) and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division reinforces the significance of Judah's chosen status.
"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;" — The verse highlights that God chose Judah and Mount Zion, not because of any inherent merit in the tribe or the mountain, but simply because He loved it. This emphasizes that God's favor and His…
