Psalm 78:68-71
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The verse highlights God's specific choice of Judah and Mount Zion, emphasizing that this wasn't about inherent merit but stemmed purely from God's own love for that place. This points to a profound truth: God's affections and plans are not dictated by our worthiness, but by His own sovereign will and deep-seated delight in what He chooses to love.
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)
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failures to trust God despite His mighty acts. After detailing their rebellion and God's judgments, it pivots to God's faithfulness, specifically noting how He rejected the tribe of Joseph and its dwelling at Shiloh. This rejection ultimately led to the choosing of Judah and Mount Zion as the place for His presence, and the subsequent choosing of David to rule.
Why did God turn away from one tribe and embrace another? It wasn't about favoritism, but about faithfulness.
The psalmist highlights a pivotal shift in God's focus: from the tribe of Joseph (represented by Ephraim) to the tribe of Judah. This wasn't a whim, but a response to the people's persistent unfaithfulness.
A Pattern of Disobedience
For generations, the people, particularly the powerful tribe of Ephraim, had repeatedly 'tempted and provoked the most high God.' Despite God's consistent faithfulness—providing for them, protecting them, and giving them His law—they 'kept not his testimonies.' Their actions were a betrayal of the covenant God had established with them.
God's Sovereign Choice
Because of this ongoing rebellion, God 'rejected the tabernacle of Joseph' and 'chose not the tribe of Ephraim.' This wasn't a sign that God abandoned His people entirely, but that He was resetting the center of His worship and governance. He established His presence and ultimately His kingdom through the tribe of Judah, centering it on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. This choice was rooted not in Judah's inherent superiority, but in God's own love for that place and His unfolding plan for redemption, which would culminate in David and, ultimately, Christ.
More than just a geographical location, Zion became the heartbeat of God's presence on earth. What made it so special?
The verse specifically mentions 'Mount Zion, which he loves.' This wasn't just any mountain; it was the place God designated for His dwelling and the center of His worship. Its significance grew over time:
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The Heart of Worship
Initially, the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, resided in various places. However, King David, from the tribe of Judah, conquered Mount Zion and brought the Ark there. This act established Zion, and the city of Jerusalem built around it, as the focal point of Israel's spiritual life. God's choice of Zion signified His desire to dwell among His people in a unique way.
A Symbol of Enduring Love
God's 'love' for Zion wasn't a passive affection; it was an active commitment. It became the place where His name would dwell, where His people would gather, and where His promises would be embodied. While the physical temple would eventually be destroyed, Zion remained a powerful symbol of God's enduring love and His plan for a permanent dwelling place with humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the Church.
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 passage highlights a pivotal moment in Israel's history when God shifted His divine focus from the northern tribes, particularly Ephraim, to the tribe of Judah and the city of Jerusalem on Mount Zion. This choice was solidified with the establishment of David's kingship and the Ark's permanent dwelling place, marking a new era of God's covenant presence.
c. 1050 BC
Rejection of Shiloh and Ephraim
After the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, the sanctuary at Shiloh, located in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, was permanently abandoned. God's presence symbolically departed from this place.
c. 1050-1040 BC
Ark of the Covenant's Journeys
Following its return from Philistine hands, the Ark of the Covenant moved through several locations like Gath and Kirjath-jearim, signifying a period of instability before a permanent home was established.
c. 1040 BC
David Anointed King
The shepherd boy David, from the tribe of Judah, was secretly anointed king by the prophet Samuel, fulfilling God's promise to establish a lasting dynasty.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, which was strategically located on Mount Zion, and made it his capital city and the center of his kingdom.
c. 1035 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing Mount Zion as the religious and political heart of Israel. This act solidified Judah's preeminence.
c. 1005-970 BC
Solomon Builds the Temple
King David's son, Solomon, built a magnificent temple on Mount Zion to house the Ark of the Covenant, fulfilling the divine plan for a permanent sanctuary.
This passage contains Jacob's prophecy that the scepter would not depart from Judah, directly foreshadowing the tribe's future prominence and God's choice of it for leadership and the place of worship.
2 Samuel 5:6-7This account shows David, of the tribe of Judah, conquering Jerusalem (Mount Zion) from the Jebusites and establishing it as his capital, fulfilling the 'choice' mentioned in Psalms 78:68.
1 Kings 8:10-11This describes the ark of the covenant being brought into the temple on Mount Zion, symbolizing God's dwelling place among His chosen people and the fulfillment of His love for that specific location.
Isaiah 2:2-3This prophecy speaks of Mount Zion being exalted above all mountains and nations flowing to it to learn God's ways, reinforcing the idea of God's special love and selection for Zion as a center of worship and divine presence.
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 specific choice of Judah and Mount Zion, emphasizing that this wasn't about inherent merit but stemmed purely from God's own love for that place. This points to a profound truth: God's affections and plans are not dictated by our worthiness, but by His own sovereign will and deep-seated delight in what He chooses to love.
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failures to trust God despite His mighty acts. After detailing their rebellion and God's judgments, it pivots to God's faithfulness, specifically noting how He rejected the tribe of Joseph and its dwelling at Shiloh. This rejection ultimately led to the choosing of Judah and Mount Zion as the place for His presence, and the subsequent choosing of David to rule.
This psalm is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated failures to trust God despite His mighty acts. After detailing their rebellion and God's judgments, it pivots to God's faithfulness, specifically noting how He rejected the tribe of Joseph and its dwelling at Shiloh. This rejection ultimately led to the choosing of Judah and Mount Zion as the place for His presence, and the subsequent choosing of David to rule.
"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 God's specific choice of Judah and Mount Zion, emphasizing that this wasn't about inherent merit but stemmed purely from God's own love for that place. This points to a profound…
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Last reviewed October 2026
