Psalms 78:67

KJV

Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover he refused {H3988}{H8799)} the tabernacle {H168} of Joseph {H3130}, and chose {H977}{H8804)} not the tribe {H7626} of Ephraim {H669}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Rejecting the tents of Yosef and passing over the tribe of Efrayim,

Berean Standard Bible

He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim.

American Standard Version

Moreover he refused the tent of Joseph, And chose not the tribe of Ephraim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:67 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, revealing God's sovereign decision to reject the long-standing spiritual and administrative prominence of the tribe of Ephraim and the sanctuary at Shiloh. This divine act was a consequence of the northern tribes' repeated unfaithfulness and rebellion, as detailed throughout the psalm. It signifies a decisive shift in God's redemptive plan, paving the way for the establishment of His chosen dwelling place and leadership through the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping didactic historical psalm, designed to instruct future generations by recounting God's faithful dealings with Israel from the Exodus to the time of King David, juxtaposed against Israel's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. The psalm details a pattern of divine provision, human disobedience, divine judgment, and subsequent mercy. Verses 60-64 describe God's abandonment of Shiloh due to Israel's idolatry and provocation. Verse 67 serves as the explicit statement of God's rejection of Ephraim's central role, acting as a crucial turning point that transitions the narrative from the period of the judges and the tabernacle at Shiloh to the new era of the monarchy and the temple in Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which detail God's choice of Judah, Zion, and David as His shepherd for His people (e.g., [Psalms 78:68-72](/psalms/78-68 "Psalms 78:68-72 - God's Choice of Judah and David")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For centuries prior to the monarchy, the Tabernacle, the central place of worship and the dwelling of God's presence, was located at Shiloh, a city within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. This gave Ephraim, as a descendant of Joseph, significant spiritual and political prominence among the tribes. The period leading up to this rejection was marked by widespread spiritual decline, as seen in the book of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). The Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant, detailed in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Philistine Capture of the Ark"), effectively marked the end of Shiloh's prominence as the central sanctuary, fulfilling the implicit judgment against Ephraim's unfaithfulness. God's decision to "refuse the tabernacle of Joseph" was not arbitrary but a divine response to the consistent failure of the northern tribes, particularly Ephraim, to uphold the covenant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Choice**, demonstrating God's absolute prerogative to choose and reject according to His perfect will and in response to human conduct. This is a profound expression of God's freedom to act in history, even when it means shifting established patterns. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the rejection of Ephraim's prominence is directly linked to the tribe's repeated rebellion and idolatry, as elaborated in earlier parts of the psalm (e.g., [Psalms 78:9-11](/psalms/78-9 "Psalms 78:9-11 - Ephraim's Unfaithfulness")). God's choices are just and reflect His response to His people's covenant fidelity. Thirdly, it foreshadows the **Shift to Judah and Zion**. This rejection of Ephraim's leadership and centrality is a necessary precursor to God's subsequent choice of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion (Jerusalem) as His new spiritual and political center, which becomes the foundation for the Davidic covenant and the future Messianic hope (see [Psalms 78:68-72](/psalms/78-68 "Psalms 78:68-72 - God's Choice of Judah and David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Refused (Hebrew, _ma'as'_):** This verb carries a strong connotation of rejection, abhorrence, or disdain. It implies a definitive act of casting off due to displeasure, unworthiness, or a breach of trust, rather than a casual dismissal. It signifies a deliberate and final withdrawal of favor or acceptance, indicating God's profound displeasure with the spiritual state and actions of the tribes associated with Ephraim.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkan'_):** This refers to the portable sanctuary, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Its association with "Joseph" (meaning the territory and spiritual leadership of his descendants, particularly Ephraim) underscores that God's rejection was not merely of a geographical location but of the spiritual authority and privilege that had been vested in that tribal lineage and its central sanctuary at Shiloh.
* **Ephraim (Hebrew, _'Ephrayim'_):** As the largest and most prominent of the northern tribes, Ephraim often served as a metonym for the entire northern kingdom. Its name, meaning "fruitful," ironically contrasts with its spiritual barrenness and unfaithfulness detailed in the psalm. The explicit naming of "Ephraim" alongside "Joseph" (his father) emphasizes the specific tribal entity that had failed in its stewardship and was consequently rejected from its position of spiritual preeminence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph":** This clause declares God's decisive act of rejection concerning the spiritual center and leadership associated with the descendants of Joseph, primarily the tribe of Ephraim. The "tabernacle of Joseph" refers to the sanctuary at Shiloh, which was located in Ephraimite territory and had served as the central place of worship for centuries. God's refusal signifies His withdrawal of favor and presence from this established arrangement due to the unfaithfulness of the people.
* **"and chose not the tribe of Ephraim":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, making explicit that the rejection of the "tabernacle of Joseph" was intrinsically linked to the rejection of the tribe of Ephraim itself from its position of preeminence. The negative "chose not" emphasizes a deliberate divine decision, highlighting that God's choice is not arbitrary but a response to the tribe's consistent failure to uphold the covenant and walk in obedience. This act paves the way for a new divine selection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "he refused the tabernacle of Joseph" and "and chose not the tribe of Ephraim." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the singular divine act of rejection, emphasizing both the sanctuary and the tribe as the objects of God's displeasure. **Metonymy** is present in "the tabernacle of Joseph" and "the tribe of Ephraim," where the name of the patriarch/tribe stands for the territory, the people, and the spiritual authority associated with them. This allows the psalmist to succinctly encapsulate the entire northern tribal confederation and its spiritual center. Finally, **Divine Anthropomorphism** is subtly present in God's "refusing" and "choosing not," attributing human-like actions and decisions to God to convey His active involvement and deliberate judgment in the historical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant, articulating God's sovereign freedom to shift His administrative and redemptive plans in response to human unfaithfulness. It reveals that spiritual privilege and positions of prominence are not guaranteed by lineage, past blessings, or established tradition alone, but are contingent upon faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant. God's rejection of Ephraim and the Shiloh tabernacle is a powerful demonstration that He will not be confined to human expectations or past arrangements when His people prove unfaithful. This divine action sets the stage for a new era, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His ultimate purpose: to establish a faithful people and a true dwelling place for His presence, ultimately leading to the Davidic covenant and the coming of the Messiah.

* [1 Samuel 4:10-11](/1_samuel/4-10 "1 Samuel 4:10-11 - The Loss of the Ark and the End of Shiloh's Prominence")
* [Jeremiah 7:12-14](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-14 - God's Warning Using Shiloh's Example")
* [Psalms 78:68-72](/psalms/78-68 "Psalms 78:68-72 - God's Choice of Judah, Zion, and David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:67 serves as a sobering reminder that God's favor and presence, while steadfast in character, are not unconditionally tied to any specific location, lineage, or human institution, but are deeply connected to the faithfulness of His people. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: are we presuming upon God's past blessings while neglecting present obedience? Spiritual privilege, whether individual or corporate, comes with profound responsibility. This verse calls us to humility, reminding us that God is free to move, to choose, and to reject, always according to His righteous character and sovereign purpose. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of vigilance, ensuring that our worship, service, and leadership are marked by genuine fidelity and not mere tradition or outward form. Even in moments of divine judgment and shift, we see God's unwavering commitment to His ultimate plan, demonstrating that when one vessel proves unfaithful, He will raise up another to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be presuming upon God's past blessings or established traditions, rather than actively pursuing present faithfulness?**
* **How does God's sovereign choice and rejection in this verse challenge my understanding of spiritual privilege and responsibility?**
* **What are the "Shilohs" in my life or our church—places, practices, or positions—that might be hindering God's fresh movement due to unfaithfulness or complacency?**

### FAQ

**Why did God "refuse" the tabernacle of Joseph and "chose not" the tribe of Ephraim?**

Answer: God's decision was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of the persistent unfaithfulness, rebellion, and idolatry of the northern tribes, particularly Ephraim, as extensively detailed throughout Psalm 78. Earlier in the psalm, Ephraim is described as having "turned back in the day of battle" ([Psalms 78:9](/psalms/78-9 "Psalms 78:9 - Ephraim's Unfaithfulness")) and as having provoked God with their high places and images ([Psalms 78:58](/psalms/78-58 "Psalms 78:58 - Israel's Provocation")). The historical context, particularly the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines and the subsequent destruction of Shiloh (as implied in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Philistine Capture of the Ark")), marked the end of an era. God's refusal was a righteous judgment against their covenant infidelity and a demonstration of His sovereign freedom to choose a new center for His presence and leadership, ultimately leading to Judah and Jerusalem.

**What was the significance of the "tabernacle of Joseph" and its location?**

Answer: The "tabernacle of Joseph" refers to the central sanctuary of Israel, the Tabernacle, which was located at Shiloh, a city within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. For centuries, from the time of Joshua until the early monarchy, Shiloh served as the primary religious and administrative center for the Israelite tribes. Its significance lay in being the dwelling place of God's presence, where the Ark of the Covenant resided and where the people came to worship and seek divine guidance. The phrase "tabernacle of Joseph" highlights the prominent role and spiritual privilege that the tribe of Ephraim held during this period, a privilege that was ultimately forfeited due to their unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:67, with its account of God's rejection of an unfaithful system and tribe (Ephraim) in favor of a new chosen lineage and place (Judah and Zion), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine shift in redemptive history: the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ. Just as God rejected the physical tabernacle at Shiloh and the unfaithful leadership of Ephraim, He ultimately set aside the old covenant system, with its temple rituals and Levitical priesthood, which could not perfect the worshiper ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law Cannot Make Perfect")). Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), from the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, became the new and living way to God. He is the true [temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple"), the ultimate dwelling place of God's presence, not confined to a physical structure or a specific tribe, but accessible to all who believe. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, God established a new spiritual reality, a new covenant where believers themselves become the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), fulfilling God's desire for a people who worship Him in [spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), transcending any geographical or tribal limitations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 6:17

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

2 Samuel 6:2

And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.

1 Samuel 6:21

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

1 Samuel 7:1

¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.