Psalms 78:68

KJV

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

KJV (with Strong's)

But chose {H977}{H8799)} the tribe {H7626} of Judah {H3063}, the mount {H2022} Zion {H6726} which he loved {H157}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he chose the tribe of Y'hudah, Mount Tziyon, which he loved.

Berean Standard Bible

But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved.

American Standard Version

But chose the tribe of Judah, The mount Zion which he loved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:68 marks a profound turning point in the historical narrative of the psalm, underscoring God's unwavering sovereignty and enduring faithfulness despite the persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness of His people, particularly the northern tribes. Following a detailed account of Israel's idolatry and God's subsequent rejection of the sanctuary at Shiloh in Ephraim, this verse declares God's deliberate and loving selection of the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion as His new, permanent dwelling place and the center of His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, an _maskil_ or "instructional psalm," that recounts God's gracious acts and Israel's repeated disobedience from the Exodus through the establishment of the monarchy. Verses 60-67 detail God's judgment upon the northern tribes, specifically Ephraim, whose territory included Shiloh, the long-standing site of the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant. Because of their idolatry and unfaithfulness, God "forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh" and "delivered his strength into captivity" ([Psalms 78:60-61](/psalms/78-60 "Psalms 78:60-61 - God Forsakes Shiloh and Delivers the Ark")), allowing the Ark to be captured by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Capture of the Ark")). This rejection of Shiloh, a place of historical divine presence, sets the stage for the dramatic shift announced in verse 68, highlighting God's sovereign prerogative to choose a new location for His presence, thereby demonstrating His ultimate control over the course of salvation history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described spans from the time of the Judges through the early monarchy. Shiloh had served as the central sanctuary for Israel for centuries after the conquest of Canaan, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh")). Its destruction or abandonment, vividly implied by the Ark's capture, was a monumental theological and political event, signifying God's judgment on the corrupt priesthood and the unfaithful people. The subsequent choice of Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and the tribe of Judah marked a significant shift in Israel's history. This move coincided with the rise of King David from the tribe of Judah, who would conquer Jerusalem and make it his capital, bringing the Ark there ([2 Samuel 6:12](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). This established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual heart of the nation, a choice that would endure through the building of the Temple by Solomon and beyond.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute freedom and intentionality in choosing His people and His dwelling place, not based on human merit but on His divine will and purpose. This choice of Judah and Zion reflects God's unchanging plan to establish His kingdom and presence among humanity, even when human instruments fail. Secondly, it highlights the **Significance of Judah**, the tribe from which the royal line of David would emerge ([Psalms 78:70](/psalms/78-70 "Psalms 78:70 - God Chose David")) and, ultimately, the Messiah. This choice anticipates the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, such as Jacob's blessing in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy about Judah"), which foretold Judah's enduring leadership. Finally, the selection of **Zion as God's Chosen Dwelling** establishes Jerusalem as the permanent spiritual and political capital of Israel. Mount Zion became the site of the Temple, serving as the central place of worship and where God's presence would dwell among His people. This choice is repeatedly affirmed in scripture as the place God "loved" and "desired for his habitation" ([Psalms 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "Psalms 132:13-14 - God's Choice of Zion")). Zion thus became a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and the ultimate hope of His future kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **בָּחַר (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** This verb, translated "chose," signifies a deliberate, intentional, and sovereign act of selection. It implies a preferential choice, often with a view toward a specific purpose or destiny. In the context of Psalms 78:68, it emphasizes that God's selection of Judah and Zion was not arbitrary or a default option, but a purposeful decision rooted in His divine will, demonstrating His initiative and authority in establishing His redemptive plan despite Israel's unfaithfulness. It highlights God's active involvement in shaping history according to His eternal counsel.
* **אָהֵב (Hebrew, _ahev'_):** The verb "loved," used in the phrase "which he loved," denotes a deep, abiding affection and commitment. When applied to God's relationship with a place, it signifies His unique favor, delight, and dedication to that location as His chosen dwelling. This divine love for Mount Zion is not merely sentimental but foundational to His covenant relationship with His people, underscoring its unique status as the earthly nexus of His presence and the focal point of His plans for salvation and kingdom establishment. It implies a protective and nurturing relationship, ensuring Zion's enduring significance in His divine economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But chose the tribe of Judah":** The conjunction "But" signals a stark contrast with the preceding verses, which detail God's rejection of Ephraim and Shiloh due to their unfaithfulness. This clause highlights God's sovereign and unexpected choice of Judah, a tribe that, while having its own failures, was destined by divine decree to bear the royal line and, ultimately, the Messiah. This selection underscores God's faithfulness to His promises (e.g., to Jacob concerning Judah) even when human performance falters, demonstrating His ability to work through imperfect instruments to fulfill His perfect plan. It signifies a new era in God's interaction with His people, shifting the focus of leadership and divine favor.
* **"the mount Zion which he loved":** This clause identifies the specific geographical location associated with the chosen tribe of Judah – Mount Zion, the hill on which Jerusalem was built. The phrase "which he loved" reinforces the deliberate and affectionate nature of God's choice. Zion was not merely a strategic location but a place divinely favored and set apart for God's permanent dwelling among His people. This choice established Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital, the place where the Temple would eventually be built, symbolizing God's enduring presence, covenant faithfulness, and the hope of His future kingdom. It signifies a shift from a mobile sanctuary (Tabernacle) to a fixed, beloved dwelling place, reflecting the stability and permanence of God's redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, as the "But" explicitly juxtaposes God's rejection of Ephraim and Shiloh (verses 60-67) with His deliberate choice of Judah and Zion. This highlights God's righteous judgment and His sovereign freedom to establish new paradigms when His people fail. **Symbolism** is also deeply embedded; "the tribe of Judah" symbolizes the chosen lineage of kingship and the ultimate Messianic hope, while "Mount Zion" symbolizes God's permanent dwelling place, the center of His covenant presence, and the future seat of His kingdom. The phrase "which he loved" functions as **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (love) to God, thereby conveying the depth of His commitment and favor towards Zion. This device makes God's relationship with His chosen place relatable and emphasizes the unique sacredness of Zion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:68 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign election amidst human frailty and rebellion. It reveals that while God judges unfaithfulness, His ultimate redemptive plan remains unthwarted, shifting His chosen instruments and locations as necessary to achieve His purposes. This divine prerogative to choose, based on His own love and will rather than human merit, serves as a powerful theological anchor, assuring believers that God's plans are ultimately secure and will prevail. The transition from Shiloh to Zion, and from Ephraim to Judah, prefigures a broader theological truth: God's work is progressive, always moving towards its ultimate fulfillment, even if it means re-routing through unexpected paths. This verse thus affirms God's commitment to His covenant, His people, and His promise of a dwelling place among them, setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the building of the Temple.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")
* [Psalms 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "Psalms 132:13-14 - God's Desire for Zion as His Dwelling")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Chosen Generation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound comfort and insight for believers today, reminding us that God's plans are sovereign and will ultimately prevail, even when human unfaithfulness seems to derail them. Just as God, in His infinite wisdom and love, chose Judah and Zion despite Israel's repeated failures, He continues to work out His purposes in our lives and in the world, often in ways that defy our expectations or logic. Our salvation and spiritual security rest not on our perfect performance or unwavering faithfulness, but on God's unchanging choice and steadfast love. We are called to be faithful, yet our hope is anchored in His divine election and His commitment to His covenant. Furthermore, the shift to Zion, a place of permanent dwelling, points to God's desire for an enduring, intimate presence with His people. Today, through Christ, believers are collectively God's spiritual house, a chosen people in whom His Spirit dwells, fulfilling the longing for a divine dwelling place. This calls us to live as a people set apart, reflecting His glory and participating in His ongoing work in the world, trusting that His ultimate plan for a new heaven and new earth, where He dwells eternally with His redeemed, will surely come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's sovereign choice in this verse encourage you in times of human failure or unfaithfulness, either in your own life or in the broader church?**
* **In what ways do you recognize God's "love" for His chosen dwelling place, both literally in ancient Zion and spiritually in His people today?**
* **How does understanding God's deliberate choice of Judah and Zion inform your view of His ongoing work in the world and His faithfulness to His promises?**

### FAQ

**Why did God reject Shiloh and choose Zion?**

Answer: God's rejection of Shiloh was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, idolatry, and the corruption of the priesthood, as detailed in the preceding verses of [Psalms 78:56-67](/psalms/78-56 "Psalms 78:56-67 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Judgment"). The capture of the Ark by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Capture of the Ark")) symbolized God's judgment on Shiloh and the house of Eli. God's choice of Zion, on the other hand, was not merely a reactive decision but part of His pre-ordained plan. It marked a new phase in His covenant relationship, centralizing worship and leadership in Jerusalem under the Davidic monarchy. This choice fulfilled ancient prophecies, such as Jacob's blessing on Judah in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"), establishing a permanent dwelling place and a royal line through which the Messiah would eventually come.

**What is the significance of the "tribe of Judah" in God's plan?**

Answer: The selection of the tribe of Judah was profoundly significant because it was the tribe from which God chose to establish the royal lineage, most notably King David ([Psalms 78:70](/psalms/78-70 "Psalms 78:70 - God Chose David")). This choice fulfilled the ancient prophecy given by Jacob to Judah in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah"), declaring that the scepter would not depart from Judah until "Shiloh" (often interpreted as the Messiah) came. More importantly, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately descend from the tribe of Judah, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem")). Thus, Judah's selection highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign orchestration of redemptive history, pointing directly to the coming of the Savior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:68 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The divine choice of the tribe of Judah directly anticipates the Incarnation, as Jesus is explicitly identified as descending from the lineage of Judah and David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). He is the true King, the Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")), who perfectly fulfills the royal covenant established with David. Furthermore, Mount Zion, God's chosen dwelling place, foreshadows Christ as the ultimate locus of God's presence among humanity. While the earthly Temple on Zion was destroyed, Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Jesus Greater Than the Temple")) and the true meeting place between God and man. Through His death and resurrection, Christ established a new, spiritual dwelling place for God: His Church. Believers, united in Christ, become "a holy temple in the Lord" and "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). Ultimately, the beloved Mount Zion points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God's tabernacle will be with humanity forever, and He will dwell with them, fulfilling the deepest longing for divine presence ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, Christ is the culmination of God's sovereign choice, the true King from Judah, and the eternal dwelling place of God with His redeemed people.

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

Psalms 87:2

The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Psalms 132:12

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

Psalms 132:14

This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Ruth 4:17

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Ruth 4:22

And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

2 Chronicles 6:6

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.