Psalms 68:27

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁ֤ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בִּנְיָמִ֨ן׀

H1144

Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

צָעִ֡יר

H6810

There is little

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

רֹדֵ֗ם

H7287

with their ruler

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

שָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

יְ֭הוּדָה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

רִגְמָתָ֑ם

H7277

and their council

a pile (of stones), i.e., (figuratively) a throng

שָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

זְ֝בֻל֗וּן

H2074

of Zebulun

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

#10

שָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#11

נַפְתָּלִֽי׃

H5321

of Naphtali

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?