Psalms 78:67

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֭יִּמְאַס
Moreover he refused
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
#2
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#3
יוֹסֵ֑ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#4
וּֽבְשֵׁ֥בֶט
not the tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#5
אֶ֝פְרַ֗יִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
בָחָֽר׃
and chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection