There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the unexpected prominence of Benjamin, the smallest and youngest tribe, appearing first in this grand procession. This placement wasn't due to size, but likely a nod to their historical significance, perhaps even a graceful acknowledgement of Saul, the tribe's first king, by the new king David.
There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes a grand procession, likely the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's leadership. The specific tribes mentioned—Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali—appear to represent the broader nation, drawn from both the southern and northern regions, highlighting unity in this significant event. The mention of Benjamin first, despite its smaller size, possibly acknowledges its historical role or a current strategic importance in the procession.
Why would the smallest, youngest tribe lead a grand procession? This verse flips our expectations, revealing a deeper truth about God's favor.
In this triumphant procession, Benjamin, the smallest and youngest of Jacob's sons, is placed at the very front.
This isn't just about tribal politics; it's about how God elevates the humble and includes everyone in His grand plans.
The psalm mentions tribes from opposite ends of the land. What does this strategic selection tell us about the nature of God's kingdom?
The procession doesn't just feature Judah and Benjamin from the south; it explicitly names Zebulun and Naphtali from the far north.
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This echoes the New Testament promise of people from 'every tribe and language and people and nation' worshipping God together.
Understand the original words
sar · Hebrew Noun
The term for a ruler, leader, or official of a tribe or clan. In the context of Israel, it denotes those who have authority under God to lead the people in battle or governance.
This verse captures a moment of national unity and reconciliation during King David's reign, highlighting the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, and reaching out to the northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali to demonstrate a unified Israel celebrating the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David brings Ark to Jerusalem
King David successfully brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing it as the religious and political center of Israel. This event is a major theme of Psalm 68.
c. 1000 BC
Saul's Tribe (Benjamin) honored
David, from the tribe of Judah, prominently mentions Benjamin in the procession, likely as a gesture of reconciliation and to honor Saul, Israel's first king who was from Benjamin.
c. 1000 BC
Judah's prominence acknowledged
The princes of Judah are mentioned, acknowledging their tribe's significance, especially as David, their king, hailed from this tribe.
c. 1000 BC
Northern Tribes (Zebulun, Naphtali) included
The inclusion of Zebulun and Naphtali, northern tribes, alongside southern ones like Judah and Benjamin, signifies national unity and widespread participation in the celebration.
This passage mentions Zebulun and Naphtali specifically as tribes that risked their lives in battle, highlighting their bravery and significance, which likely explains their inclusion in this psalm as representatives of the northern tribes.
1 Samuel 9:21This verse describes Benjamin as the 'least of the tribes of Israel,' directly echoing the description in Psalms 68:27 and explaining the 'little Benjamin' reference as a recognition of its smaller size.
2 Samuel 6:15This verse describes the joyous procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, providing the historical context for the imagery of tribes participating in a grand procession depicted in Psalms 68.
Isaiah 11:1This prophecy foretells the restoration and reunification of Israel, suggesting that the mention of northern tribes like Zebulun and Naphtali, alongside Judah and Benjamin, in Psalms 68 could be a prophetic glimpse of this future unity.
1 Chronicles 12:33This passage details the support David received from various tribes, including Zebulun and Naphtali, noting their readiness and military prowess, which aligns with their prominent mention in the psalm's procession.
pulpitPsalms 68:27: "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
Verse 27. - There is little Benjamin with their ruler. "With" is wrongly supplied by our translators. "Little Benjamin" the "smallest of the tribes of Israel" (1 Samuel 9:21) - is called "their ruler," as having furnished the first king, and the one who began the conquests celebrated in vers. 11-23. If the psalm is to be accounted as David's, we…
poolePsalms 68:27: "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
There is present in this solemn pomp of carrying the ark to Zion, under the conduct of David their king, little Benjamin. That tribe is called little , partly because it was the youngest, as being descended from Jacob’s youngest son Benjamin; and principally because it was exceedingly diminished, and almost extinguished, under the judges, Judges…
This verse highlights the unexpected prominence of Benjamin, the smallest and youngest tribe, appearing first in this grand procession. This placement wasn't due to size, but likely a nod to their historical significance, perhaps even a graceful acknowledgement of Saul, the tribe's first king, by the new king David.
This passage describes a grand procession, likely the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's leadership. The specific tribes mentioned—Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali—appear to represent the broader nation, drawn from both the southern and northern regions, highlighting unity in this significant event. The mention of Benjamin first, despite its smaller size, possibly acknowledges its historical role or a current strategic importance in the procession.
This passage describes a grand procession, likely the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's leadership. The specific tribes mentioned—Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali—appear to represent the broader nation, drawn from both the southern and northern regions, highlighting unity in this significant event. The mention of Benjamin first, despite its smaller size, possibly acknowledges its historical role or a current strategic importance in the procession.
"There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali." — This verse highlights the unexpected prominence of Benjamin, the smallest and youngest tribe, appearing first in this grand procession. This placement wasn't due to size, but likely a nod to their hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026