Psalms 68:27-28
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. Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights "little Benjamin" leading, which is striking because it was one of the smallest tribes and had even faced near annihilation. This unusual placement and description suggests a deliberate shift in focus, honoring a tribe often overlooked for its size, possibly as a way to unify the nation and acknowledge its past, even its kings.
This passage describes a grand procession, likely celebrating the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's rule. The text focuses on the organized display of Israel's tribes participating in this sacred event. The mention of Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali highlights their leading roles, signifying the unity and coming together of the nation for worship.
Why would the 'least' tribe, Benjamin, be mentioned first in this grand procession? It seems counterintuitive, but God often highlights the unexpected.
Psalms 68:27 places Benjamin first, a tribe known for being small and sometimes even problematic in Israel's history. The commentators suggest several reasons for this prominent placement:
Only four tribes are named in this verse, but the context suggests it's a much larger gathering. What's the significance of this selective mention?
The psalm doesn't list every tribe present, but highlights four specific ones: Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali. This wasn't an oversight; it served a crucial purpose:
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.
The mention of Benjamin and Judah alongside the northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali in this psalm, especially during David's procession of the Ark, speaks volumes. It highlights a hopeful vision of national unity and restoration, particularly significant if the psalm reflects a period after the kingdom's division or even during the exile, looking forward to the re-gathering of all Israel.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Becomes First King
The tribe of Benjamin, though small, provides Israel's first king, Saul, establishing a precedent for leadership from this tribe.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David, from the tribe of Judah, is anointed king. This event sets the stage for the eventual unification of the tribes under his rule.
c. 1004 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers Jerusalem, establishing it as the capital of Israel. This strategic move brings the ark of the covenant closer to Benjamin's territory.
c. 1004 BC— this verse
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David orchestrates a grand procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This psalm likely celebrates this significant religious and political event.
This passage specifically mentions Zebulun and Naphtali being willing to risk their lives, highlighting their bravery and participation, which explains why they are called out in Psalms 68:27.
1 Samuel 9:1-2This passage introduces Saul as being from Benjamin, the 'smallest of the tribes,' directly connecting to the description of Benjamin as 'little' and 'their ruler' in Psalms 68:27, referencing its first king.
2 Samuel 6:15This verse describes the procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a context that directly parallels the celebratory procession depicted in Psalms 68, reinforcing the significance of tribal representation.
Isaiah 9:1-2This prophecy speaks of the land of Zebulun and Naphtali receiving light and honor, aligning with their prominent mention in Psalms 68:27 as tribes that would experience future restoration and importance.
Jeremiah 3:14-18This prophetic passage speaks of a future reunion of Israel and Judah, mirroring the inclusive representation of northern and southern tribes in Psalms 68:27, suggesting a vision of national unity.
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…
The verse highlights "little Benjamin" leading, which is striking because it was one of the smallest tribes and had even faced near annihilation. This unusual placement and description suggests a deliberate shift in focus, honoring a tribe often overlooked for its size, possibly as a way to unify the nation and acknowledge its past, even its kings.
This passage describes a grand procession, likely celebrating the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's rule. The text focuses on the organized display of Israel's tribes participating in this sacred event. The mention of Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali highlights their leading roles, signifying the unity and coming together of the nation for worship.
This passage describes a grand procession, likely celebrating the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under David's rule. The text focuses on the organized display of Israel's tribes participating in this sacred event. The mention of Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali highlights their leading roles, signifying the unity and coming together of the nation for worship.
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c. 1000 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel (including Zebulun and Naphtali) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (including Benjamin and Judah).
733-732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Tribes
The Northern Kingdom, including Zebulun and Naphtali, is largely conquered by the Assyrians, leading to the exile of many inhabitants. This event makes their later mention in the psalm particularly poignant, suggesting a hope for restoration.
"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. Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us." — The verse highlights "little Benjamin" leading, which is striking because it was one of the smallest tribes and had even faced near annihilation. This unusual placement and description suggests a del…
