Psalms 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.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֤ם
H8033
בִּנְיָמִ֨ן׀
Benjamin
H1144
בִּנְיָמִ֨ן׀
Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
2 of 11
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
צָעִ֡יר
There is little
H6810
צָעִ֡יר
There is little
Strong's:
H6810
Word #:
3 of 11
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
רֹדֵ֗ם
with their ruler
H7287
רֹדֵ֗ם
with their ruler
Strong's:
H7287
Word #:
4 of 11
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
יְ֭הוּדָה
of Judah
H3063
יְ֭הוּדָה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 11
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
רִגְמָתָ֑ם
and their council
H7277
רִגְמָתָ֑ם
and their council
Strong's:
H7277
Word #:
7 of 11
a pile (of stones), i.e., (figuratively) a throng
זְ֝בֻל֗וּן
of Zebulun
H2074
זְ֝בֻל֗וּן
of Zebulun
Strong's:
H2074
Word #:
9 of 11
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
Historical Context
These tribes represented different regions and historical roles. Benjamin was small, Judah held royal leadership, while Zebulun and Naphtali were northern. Their joint worship demonstrated covenant unity transcending tribal differences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the church's diversity strengthen rather than fragment its worship and witness?
- What 'tribal' differences (denominational, cultural, generational) must be transcended for genuine unity?
- In what ways does God intentionally elevate the 'little' and humble in His kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
The listing of tribes—little Benjamin leading, princes of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali—represents all Israel unified in worship. Benjamin, smallest yet leading, shows God's delight in elevating the humble. Judah's prominence anticipates Messiah's royal lineage. Including northern tribes (Zebulun, Naphtali) emphasizes unity despite later divisions. This diverse yet unified assembly foreshadows the church gathered from all nations (Revelation 7:9).