Psalm 68 27

Psalm 68:27 kjv

There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

Psalm 68:27 nkjv

There is little Benjamin, their leader, The princes of Judah and their company, The princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.

Psalm 68:27 niv

There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

Psalm 68:27 esv

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.

Psalm 68:27 nlt

Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way.
Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah
and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Psalm 68 verses

Psalm 68 27 Meaning

Psalm 68:27 portrays a celebratory procession of God's people, symbolizing the assembled might and diverse representation of Israel in divine worship and victory. It highlights the unexpected leadership from the tribe of Benjamin, historically the smallest, juxtaposed with the traditional leadership of Judah and the participation of tribes from the northern regions, Zebulun and Naphtali. This verse encapsulates the unified participation of the whole nation in glorifying God, showcasing both humble origins elevated and established authority, all marching together in God’s triumphant presence.

Psalm 68 27 Context

Psalm 68 is a grand celebration of God's might and benevolent leadership over Israel. It depicts a triumphant procession of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s powerful presence among His people, often associated with battles won and the establishment of Zion as His dwelling. Verse 27 specifically describes those participating in this procession, symbolizing the unity and diverse representation of the entire nation in worship. Historically, the movement of the Ark, particularly to Jerusalem under King David (2 Sam 6), is a prominent event this psalm likely echoes, along with broader military victories and the gathering of all twelve tribes for religious feasts and national assemblies. The mention of specific tribes from the south (Benjamin, Judah) and the north (Zebulun, Naphtali) emphasizes the complete participation of God's covenant people.

Psalm 68 27 Word analysis

• There is Benjamin:

  • Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin): Means "son of the right hand." This tribe was historically the smallest and nearly wiped out in the time of the Judges (Judg 20).
  • Significance: Despite its smallness and past humility, Benjamin is listed first, suggesting an honorific position, perhaps recalling Saul (the first king) came from Benjamin or highlighting God's elevation of the lowly.

• the least of them, their ruler:

  • least (הַצָּעִיר, hats'aʿiyr): Denotes the youngest, the smallest, or the most insignificant. This explicitly refers to Benjamin's numerical and historical status.
  • ruler (רֹדֵם, rodem): This word is challenging. It comes from the root rada, meaning "to rule, dominate, tread down." It could imply Benjamin dominating or leading them (i.e., the other tribes) or metaphorically treading down opposition. In this context, it suggests Benjamin is at the head of a significant group, elevated from their 'least' status, fulfilling a leadership role in the procession. This shows God's power to elevate.

• The princes of Judah, their company:

  • princes (שָׂרֵי, sarey): Leaders, chiefs, or nobles. Indicates recognized authority.
  • Judah (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah): The royal tribe from which David came and from whom the Messiah would descend. Judah was the traditional leader of the tribes (Num 2:3, Judg 1:2).
  • their company (רִגְמָתָם, rigmatam): A hapax legomenon (word appearing only once in the Bible). Derived from a root potentially meaning "to throw stones," but in this context, often understood as a "throng," "multitude," "company," "procession," or an "orderly array" of people. It refers to Judah's gathered forces or procession group. Its uniqueness emphasizes the solemnity and particular nature of this assembly.

• the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali:

  • Zebulun (זְבוּלוּן, Zevulun) and Naphtali (נַפְתָּלִי, Naphtali): These are northern tribes, geographically distant from Jerusalem and traditionally involved in fishing and trade. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive national representation from all corners of Israel, emphasizing the unity of God's people gathering for worship regardless of their regional or occupational differences. Their presence completes the picture of a unified Israel.

Psalm 68 27 Bonus section

The seemingly counter-intuitive order of the tribes (Benjamin, Judah, then Zebulun and Naphtali) might reflect several theological or historical nuances. Listing Benjamin first, despite their numerical weakness, could allude to their historical role in providing Israel's first king, Saul, chosen by divine selection, or emphasize God's unpredictable choice and elevation. It may also imply that even the "weakest" tribe comes first in demonstrating submission and reverence in God's presence. The "princes of Judah" being named signifies the enduring leadership of that tribe, but perhaps intentionally not listed first to temper their pride in light of God's humbling grace shown to Benjamin. The inclusion of Zebulun and Naphtali, often grouped geographically in Galilee, showcases a national assembly from "Dan to Beersheba," meaning from the farthest north to the deepest south, ensuring the entirety of the nation is represented in the divine assembly and procession, making it truly a comprehensive act of worship from all of God's covenant people.

Psalm 68 27 Commentary

Psalm 68:27 paints a vivid picture of a grand procession celebrating God's triumph and rule, embodying the unity and diverse representation of Israel. The placement of Benjamin, the "least" of the tribes, first, followed by the traditionally dominant Judah, and then the distant northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, is deeply significant. It demonstrates God's principle of exalting the humble and utilizing the seemingly insignificant for His purposes, as seen throughout biblical narrative (e.g., David, the youngest shepherd boy; Jesus, born in humble Bethlehem). It underscores that in God's eyes, worth is not determined by human strength or status but by divine calling and faithfulness. The inclusion of tribes from all regions emphasizes the complete gathering of God's people in corporate worship and recognition of His sovereignty, uniting both geographical diversity and varied social standing in a single, magnificent homage to their King. This passage thus celebrates both God's universal reach within Israel and His particular care for the overlooked, all contributing to a vibrant, unified worship of His presence.