Psalms 78:68
But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
3 of 9
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
4 of 9
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַ֥ר
the mount
H2022
הַ֥ר
the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 9
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
7 of 9
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
Historical Context
David conquered Jerusalem (Jebusite Zion) around 1000 BC, making it his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-10). Solomon built the temple there (1 Kings 6-8), establishing Zion as Israel's spiritual center. Asaph, writing likely during the divided monarchy, celebrated this Judah/Zion election as vindication of Davidic dynasty and centralized worship against Northern Kingdom's apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's electing love for Zion provide assurance that His redemptive purposes will not fail?
- What does God's love for a specific geographic location (Zion) teach about the incarnation's specificity—God working through particular people and places?
- In what ways does the church function as the 'Zion God loves' in the new covenant?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. The contrastive But opposes Ephraim's rejection with Judah's election. Chose (vayyivchar, וַיִּבְחַר) describes sovereign selection—the same verb used for God choosing Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6-7), now applied to specific tribal and geographic choices. The tribe of Judah received Jacob's messianic blessing: 'The sceptre shall not depart from Judah' (Genesis 49:10).
The mount Zion which he loved (har-Tziyyon asher ahev, הַר־צִיּוֹן אֲשֶׁר אָהֵב) grounds election in divine affection, not human worthiness. Loved (ahev, אָהֵב) is covenantal love—committed, choosing affection. Zion becomes 'the city of God' (Psalm 46:4), 'the joy of the whole earth' (Psalm 48:2), the place where God's name dwells permanently.
This love for Zion ultimately focuses on Jesus, Zion's King, whom the Father loves with eternal delight (Matthew 3:17). Christian theology sees Zion fulfilled in Christ and His church—'But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem' (Hebrews 12:22). God's love for Zion is love for His redemptive plan centered in Christ.