Psalm 78:68-70
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The verse highlights God's deliberate choice, not just of a tribe (Judah), but specifically of Mount Zion, emphasizing that this selection stemmed from God's own "love" for it, showing that divine preference is rooted in His affection and purpose. This "choice" ultimately led to the establishment of His dwelling place and a chosen king, setting the stage for future promises.
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)
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh where the tabernacle was located, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of David and Jerusalem. This marked a new beginning, establishing the permanent dwelling place for God's presence in the tribe of Judah on Mount Zion, and appointing David, a descendant of Judah, as the beloved king.
Why would God reject one place and choose another? This verse reveals a divine shift, moving from a place of past significance to one He deeply cherches.
Psalm 78 is a sweeping look at Israel's history, highlighting their constant struggle between faithfulness and rebellion. While the tabernacle was previously associated with the tribe of Joseph (specifically Ephraim and Shiloh), the text here emphasizes a deliberate rejection of that former center.
A Shift in Divine Focus
God's decision to 'choose the tribe of Judah' and 'Mount Zion' wasn't just a geographical change; it signaled a new phase. Shiloh, once central, was set aside. This points to God's sovereignty and His ability to establish new centers for His presence and worship, even after periods of unfaithfulness from His chosen people. It’s a powerful reminder that while we can stray, God’s purposes can pivot and re-establish His plans through new channels of His love.
The Bible often speaks of God's love for His people, but here, He loves a place. What makes Judah and Zion so special?
The verse states that God chose 'Mount Zion, which he loves.' This isn't just a passive preference; it's an active, affectionate choice. The tribe of Judah was chosen, and within its territory, Mount Zion became the focal point of God's dwelling among His people.
The Heart of God's Choice
This love for Zion was foundational to Israel's identity and future. It was the place where God's presence would be most keenly felt, where His covenant promises would be centered, and from which His kingdom would ultimately extend. This choice was rooted in God's unchanging love, not in any merit of the place or people, but in His sovereign good pleasure. It foreshadows the greater dwelling of God among His people through Jesus Christ.
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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.
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 shift in God's focus from the northern tribes, particularly Ephraim (represented by Shiloh), to the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion, marked by David's ascendancy and the establishment of Jerusalem as the center of worship.
c. 1077 BC
Fall of Shiloh
The Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines, leading to the abandonment of Shiloh as the central sanctuary.
c. 1047 BC
David Anointed King
David, of the tribe of Judah, is secretly anointed by Samuel and later becomes king, uniting the tribes.
c. 1042 BC
Jerusalem Conquered
David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital city, the City of David.
c. 1042 BC— this verse
Ark Brought to Zion
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing Mount Zion as the spiritual heart of Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Temple Plans by David
David desires to build a permanent house for God in Jerusalem but is told by Nathan the prophet that his son Solomon will build it.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon begins building the magnificent Temple on Mount Zion, fulfilling David's desire and solidifying Jerusalem's place.
This verse speaks of the scepter not departing from Judah, directly linking the tribe's significance to leadership and God's plan, which is echoed in the choice of Judah in Psalm 78.
2 Samuel 5:6-7This passage describes David, from the tribe of Judah, conquering Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and establishing it as his capital, highlighting the fulfillment of God's choice of Zion as a beloved dwelling place.
Psalm 87:2This psalm explicitly states God's love for Zion, directly reinforcing the phrase 'Mount Zion, which he loves' in Psalm 78:68 and underscoring the divine affection for this location.
1 Kings 8:44-48This describes Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple on Mount Zion, acknowledging that God chose Jerusalem and Zion as the place for His name and inviting prayer from those in exile, connecting the choice of Zion to God's ongoing faithfulness.
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 God's deliberate choice, not just of a tribe (Judah), but specifically of Mount Zion, emphasizing that this selection stemmed from God's own "love" for it, showing that divine preference is rooted in His affection and purpose. This "choice" ultimately led to the establishment of His dwelling place and a chosen king, setting the stage for future promises.
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh where the tabernacle was located, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of David and Jerusalem. This marked a new beginning, establishing the permanent dwelling place for God's presence in the tribe of Judah on Mount Zion, and appointing David, a descendant of Judah, as the beloved king.
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh where the tabernacle was located, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of David and Jerusalem. This marked a new beginning, establishing the permanent dwelling place for God's presence in the tribe of Judah on Mount Zion, and appointing David, a descendant of Judah, as the beloved king.
"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 God's deliberate choice, not just of a tribe (Judah), but specifically of Mount Zion, emphasizing that this selection stemmed from God's own "love" for it, showing that divine pr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
