Psalms 78:67
Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יִּמְאַס
Moreover he refused
H3988
וַ֭יִּמְאַס
Moreover he refused
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
1 of 7
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
2 of 7
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וּֽבְשֵׁ֥בֶט
not the tribe
H7626
וּֽבְשֵׁ֥בֶט
not the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
4 of 7
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אֶ֝פְרַ֗יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶ֝פְרַ֗יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
5 of 7
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
After Shiloh's destruction (c. 1050 BC), the ark never returned to Ephraimite territory. David brought it to Jerusalem in Judah (2 Samuel 6). Later, the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim) persistently apostatized under Jeroboam's golden calves, while Davidic kingship and temple worship continued in Judah. The tribal division prefigured the kingdom split (922 BC).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's rejection of naturally favored Ephraim in favor of Judah illustrate the doctrine of unconditional election?
- What warning does Ephraim's rejection offer to churches or individuals presuming on past spiritual privilege?
- In what ways does God's choice of the unexpected (Judah, David, Jesus) reveal His freedom from human expectations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim. This verse begins the psalm's climactic section—God's choice of Judah and David over Joseph/Ephraim. Refused (vayyim'as, וַיִּמְאַס) means reject or spurn—the same verb used for God's abhorrence of Israel (v. 59), now applied to specific tribal choice. The tabernacle of Joseph refers to Shiloh, located in Ephraimite territory (Joshua 18:1).
Ephraim, Joseph's younger son, became the dominant Northern tribe and often represented the entire northern region (Isaiah 7:2, 9). God's rejection of Ephraim reversed natural expectations—Joseph held the birthright after Reuben's disqualification (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). Yet God sovereignly chose Judah instead, demonstrating that His electing purposes aren't bound by human primogeniture rights.
This prepares for vv. 68-70's announcement of Davidic election. God's rejection of Ephraim/Joseph and selection of Judah/David manifests His sovereign freedom in election—'I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy' (Exodus 33:19, Romans 9:15). Salvation depends on divine choice, not human merit or birth order.