Psalms 78:68-71
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)
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The verse highlights that God didn't just choose a location for His dwelling, but a specific tribe and a mountain He loved. This wasn't a strategic or political decision, but one rooted in divine affection for Mount Zion, which then became the spiritual heart of His people.
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's subsequent judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of a new dwelling place. This marks a pivotal moment where God selects the tribe of Judah, and specifically Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as the site for His presence and the seat of David's kingdom. This deliberate selection signifies God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for the establishment of a lasting dynasty and a central place of worship.
Have you ever wondered why certain places or people seem to be chosen by God? This psalm reveals a pivotal moment when God shifted His focus, moving away from one tribe to another.
Psalm 78 is a sweeping review of Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness. In this context, verse 67 speaks of God refusing the 'tabernacle of Joseph' and choosing not the tribe of Ephraim. This wasn't just a minor shift; it marked a significant turning point.
A Shift in Divine Favor
For a long time, the tabernacle, the symbol of God's presence, was located in Shiloh, within the territory of Ephraim (a major part of the northern 'house of Joseph'). However, due to the people's persistent sin and rebellion, God allowed the Ark of the Covenant to be captured by the Philistines. This event led to the rejection of Shiloh as God's dwelling place.
The Choice of Judah and Zion
In contrast, God then 'chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves.' This choice was deeply significant:
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Why Zion? What made this particular mountain so special to God that it's singled out for His love, even after the people's failures?
The verse doesn't just say God chose Zion; it says He chose 'Mount Zion, which he loves.' This isn't just about geography; it's about God's heart.
More Than Just a Place
While Shiloh was rejected due to Israel's sin, Zion was chosen and loved. This speaks to God's deep desire for a dwelling place where His presence could reside among His people, a place that would reflect His glory and holiness.
A Foundation of Love, Not Merit
Commentators emphasize that God's choice of Zion wasn't based on the mountain's inherent greatness or the people's worthiness at that moment. Instead, it was an expression of His own unmerited love and a foreshadowing of His ultimate plan.
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.
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.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment when God shifted his central dwelling place from Shiloh (associated with the tribe of Joseph/Ephraim) to Mount Zion in the territory of Judah, establishing David's kingship and the future site of the Temple.
c. 1050 BC
Fall of Shiloh
The Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines, and the sanctuary at Shiloh is lost, marking a significant blow to the tribes of Ephraim and Joseph.
c. 1040 BC
Ark's Return and Stationary Periods
After periods in Philistine territory and various Israelite towns, the Ark is eventually brought to Kiriath-jearim, remaining there for about 20 years.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David, from the tribe of Judah, is anointed king, first over Judah and later over all Israel, fulfilling prophetic expectations.
c. 1004 BC
Jerusalem Conquered and Becomes David's City
King David captures the stronghold of Jerusalem (Zion) from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital city.
c. 1003 BC— this verse
Ark Brought to Zion
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem on Mount Zion with great celebration, signifying God's chosen dwelling place.
c. 970-931 BC
Temple Construction in Jerusalem
Solomon, David's son, builds the magnificent First Temple on Mount Zion, solidifying Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel.
This verse directly connects to Genesis 49:10, which prophesies that the scepter will not depart from Judah, highlighting Judah's preeminence and future kingship.
2 Samuel 5:6-7This passage describes David, from the tribe of Judah, conquering Jerusalem (Zion) and establishing it as his capital, illustrating the fulfillment of God's choice for both the tribe and the location.
Psalm 87:2This psalm echoes the sentiment of God's love for Zion, reinforcing the idea that this chosen place held special significance and divine affection.
1 Kings 8:44-48This passage shows Solomon dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem, a direct fulfillment of God's choice of Zion and Judah as the center of worship, emphasizing the continued divine favor.
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 didn't just choose a location for His dwelling, but a specific tribe and a mountain He loved. This wasn't a strategic or political decision, but one rooted in divine affection for Mount Zion, which then became the spiritual heart of His people.
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's subsequent judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of a new dwelling place. This marks a pivotal moment where God selects the tribe of Judah, and specifically Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as the site for His presence and the seat of David's kingdom. This deliberate selection signifies God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for the establishment of a lasting dynasty and a central place of worship.
After recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's subsequent judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, the psalm shifts to God's sovereign choice of a new dwelling place. This marks a pivotal moment where God selects the tribe of Judah, and specifically Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as the site for His presence and the seat of David's kingdom. This deliberate selection signifies God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for the establishment of a lasting dynasty and a central place of worship.
"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; f…" — The verse highlights that God didn't just choose a location for His dwelling, but a specific tribe and a mountain He loved. This wasn't a strategic or political decision, but one rooted in divine a…
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