Psalm 78 (77):68Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Given the proximity of the time when Saul was cast aside and David was anointed (1 Samuel 16:1), it may have been fitting to mention this. However, He specifically highlighted those distinguished by greater merit. For Joseph preserved his father and brothers during a famine in Egypt, and despite being wrongfully sold due to his virtue, chastity, and wisdom, he was justly elevated (Genesis 41:40). Likewise, Ephraim received preference over his older brother by the blessing of their grandfather Jacob. Yet, God still chose not to select the dwelling of Joseph, nor the tribe of Ephraim. Under these symbols of notable merit, we comprehend that all those with ancient greed, seeking earthly rewards from the Lord, are cast aside, and the tribe of Judah is not favored for the merits of Judah himself. While Joseph's merits are indeed significantly greater, the tribe of Judah was the lineage through which Christ was brought forth in the flesh. The Scriptures affirm that the new people of Christ surpass the old covenant community, and the Lord speaks in parables for their understanding. Additionally, on Mount Zion, which He chose, we discern the Church of Christ, not honoring God for the sake of temporal wealth, but rather, gazing with faith towards the eternal rewards that lie ahead; for Zion may also be understood as a place of divine vision.

However, since this mystery was not widely understood, the Prophet included the mountain of Zion, which He cherished, to eliminate jealousy among the other tribes, as if to convey, ‘Do not be envious in this matter; for God chose the tribe of Judah on account of the mountain of Zion.’ Furthermore, the Prophet intended to highlight the significance of the mountain, due to the temple that was to be constructed upon it.

He selected Mount Zion for this purpose to establish His sanctuary there. To avoid attributing the reason for this choice to anything outside of God Himself, the Prophet emphasizes that it stemmed solely from God's gracious favor, which elevated Mount Zion above all other locations, as if to convey, "He chose Mount Zion because He cherished it." Therefore, the foundation of the sanctuary was based not on the merit of the site, but solely on God's grace, which itself pertains to human considerations. This reveals that the Church has always been built on the singular grace and favor of God from its inception to now; no mere human quality could provide the Church with either the inner dignity or the external strength it requires.

In the subsequent verse, where it states that "He created His sanctuary like a unicorn," the Prophet implies that Mount Zion was adorned in the most exquisite manner, yet this splendor is to be attributed to the heavenly Zion. God's desire was not for humanity to become engrossed solely in the visible glory of the Church, but rather to elevate their focus toward Christ, to whom the essence of these images belongs. Thus, he likens Mount Zion to the entire earth, declaring that its foundation is eternal. Although parts of the earth may undergo changes, such as earthquakes and other upheavals, its essence remains steadfast, rooted in a firm foundation. The Prophet signifies that the edifice he refers to is not temporary nor susceptible to collapse or destruction by fire; instead, it is established in a way that ensures it will endure unscathed until the end of time. If it is claimed that this temple was long ago destroyed by the Chaldeans and Assyrians, the response is straightforward. The steadfastness the Prophet extols pertains to the Church, not to the transient temple, which was merely a material structure. Nonetheless, since it symbolized the Church of Christ, it is appropriate to ascribe eternal steadfastness to it, as the Prophet also states: "They founded it upon the holy mountains" (Psalm 86:2). Additionally, "That is the foundation of the Highest" (Psalm 86:5), and again, "The Lord is the foundation of Zion" (Isaiah 14:32).

The Savior calls upon His people to listen carefully, cautioning that if they neglect this, they may encounter the same demise as the former Jewish people who failed to heed God's commands. The Savior instructs them to diligently examine the law of the Gospel and to engage with prophecy from the depths of their hearts. Although the Jews demonstrated strength, they faltered during the tumultuous events of Christ's Passion due to their unbelief. Notably, the tribe of Ephraim displayed profound unfaithfulness to God, succumbing to the idolatry of the golden calf and leading the other nine tribes astray. As a consequence of this betrayal, God stripped them of their bravery; despite their proficiency in archery, they succumbed to fear and retreated in battle. They were ultimately taken captive and dispersed among the nations. Despite the Jews’ complete submersion in worldly wisdom and their refusal to repent, God showed compassion. In His great mercy, He chose not to annihilate all the Jews in the wilderness but instead spared them. Humanity, composed of flesh, is inherently driven by passions and decay. The Spirit, having departed from man, will not return until the second coming.