Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
27. The representatives of four tribes are specified as taking part in the procession. Judah and Benjamin naturally represent the South. Jerusalem was on the boundary between them; and the Temple was in the territory assigned to Benjamin (Deu 33:12; Jos 18:16), which may account for the place of honour being assigned to it. But why are Zebulun and Naphtali selected to represent the North? Is it as a recognition of their heroic patriotism commemorated in the Song of Deborah (Jdg 5:18) of which this Psalm contains so many reminiscences? or is it (on the assumption of the exilic date of the Psalm) an allusion to the prophecy of Isaiah (Isa 11:1), that just those tribes which had suffered most severely from the first Assyrian invasion should be restored to honour? This, if the exilic date of the Psalm is adopted, is the most obvious explanation. The prophets from Amos (Amo 9:11 ff.) and Hosea (Hos 3:5) onward, foretold the restoration of Israel as well as Judah, and their reunion into one state, and the Psalmist sees this hope visibly fulfilled in the festal procession. It may be noted that in Jer 3:17-18, the restoration of the reunited people is placed in close connexion with the conflux of the nations to worship at Jerusalem of which the Psalmist goes on to speak in Psa 68:28 ff. It is important to remember that the Israelites who returned from Babylon regarded themselves as representing the whole nation, and not the kingdom of Judah only. Cp. Ezr 8:35; Psa 122:4.
little Benjamin with their ruler ] Omit with. Benjamin is called little as the youngest of the sons of Jacob, and the smallest of the tribes in population and territory (1Sa 9:21). Their ruler is explained by the Targ. as an allusion to Saul’s kingship; “There was Benjamin, small among the tribes, who first went down into the [Red] Sea, and therefore first received the kingdom”: by others it is supposed to mean ‘conducting them.’ The word is obscure and possibly corrupt.
and their council ] Or, company.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
There is little Benjamin – In that solemn procession. That is, the tribe of Benjamin is represented there; or, there are in the procession those who are connected with that tribe. The name little is given to the tribe either because Benjamin was the youngest of the sons of Jacob, or, more probably, because that tribe was among the smallest of the tribes of Israel. In fact, the tribe was so small, as compared with that of Judah, for instance, that, after the revolt of the ten tribes, the name of Benjamin was lost, and the whole nation was called, after the tribe of Judah, Jews.
With their ruler – The word with is not in the original. The Hebrew is literally ruling them. This would seem to mean that, on the occasion referred to, Benjamin, or those who were connected with that tribe, had the oversight, or the direction of those who were engaged in this solemn procession. Though small, it had the preeminence on this occasion. To it was committed the important duty of presiding over these solemnities; that is, those who were prominent in the arrangements for the occasion were of the tribe of Benjamin. This seems to me to be a better explanation than to suppose, as Professor Alexander does, that it has reference to the enemies of the people of God, and that Benjamin had conquered or subdued them.
The princes of Judah – The principal men of the tribe of Judah.
And their council – Margin, with their company. The Hebrew word here, – rigmah – means crowd, throng, band. It never means council. The idea is, evidently, that large numbers of the tribe of Judah attended – that the princes or leaders were accompanied by throngs of their own people; in allusion to the fact that Judah was one of the largest of the tribes of Israel – and in contrast with Benjamin, which was few in number, and yet thus occupied the most honorable place as having charge of the arrangements.
The princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali – These were remote or border tribes, and they seem to be mentioned here to show that all the tribes were represented; that is, that this was a national celebration. The fact that these tribes are mentioned as being represented on the occasion, proves that this psalm was composed before the revolt of the ten tribes, and the formation of the kingdom of Israel; that is, as early as the time of Solomon. This increases the probability that the psalm was written by David.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 27. There is little Benjamin] This is a description of another part of the procession.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
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 Jacobs youngest son Benjamin; and principally because it was exceedingly diminished, and almost extinguished, under the judges, Jdg 20; Jdg 21. He mentions this tribe, partly because they were nearest unto Judah, and to the place whither the ark was going; and partly to note their reconciliation and submission to David, against whom they had stood out with more obstinacy than any other tribe, as having been so long used to govern, and loth to part with the regal dignity which was by Gods appointment first seated among them.
With their ruler; with the prince of their tribe, who marched in the head of them. Heb. the ruler, i.e. the tribe which had lately swayed the sceptre, but now submitted themselves to David, and waited upon him in this expedition. But the first sense seems the truest, because the princes of all the following tribes are here mentioned.
Their council; their counsellors; or rather, their company, as it is in the margin, the people of that tribe who waited upon them in that action; which may seem to be here noted, to intimate that though the princes only of the following tribes be yet the people are comprehended under them, and were present with them in that solemnity. Zebulun and Naphtali: he mentions these tribes, either,
1. Because they excelled in learning and knowledge, as is gathered from Gen 49:21; Deu 33:19; Jdg 5:14. Or,
2. Because they were more hearty and forward in complying with David and in his service than the rest, as may seem from the great number of them which came from the ends of the land to David in Hebron, 1Ch 12:33,34. Or,
3. Because they lived in the remotest parts of the land of Canaan. And so by naming two of the nearest tribes, and two of the furthest, he leaves it to be understood that the other tribes also did come upon this occasion, as is manifest from 2Sa 6:15,19; 1Ch 13:2,5,6,8; 15:3,28.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24-27. The triumphal procession,after the deliverance, is depicted.
They have seenimpersonally,”There have been seen.”
the goings of my Godasleading the procession; the ark, the symbol of His presence, being infront. The various bands of music (Ps68:25) follow, and all who are
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
There [is] little Benjamin, [with] their ruler,…. Or who is “their ruler” y; that is, in the congregations or churches, where he was a ruler; or in the procession, the triumphal progress of Christ in Judea, and in the Gentile world, by the ministry of the word; where the singers and players of instruments, and damsels with timbrels, went in order: for not the tribe of Benjamin is meant, called “little”, because Benjamin was Jacob’s younger son; or because it was greatly weakened and reduced at Gibeah, Jud 20:48; and was one of the smallest tribes in Israel; and Saul’s family, who was the first king of Israel, the least in that tribe, 1Sa 9:21; though the Targum interprets it of the tribe; and so Jarchi; but the Apostle Paul is here meant, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, Ro 11:1; was a young man when he was converted, Ac 7:58; as the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions have it here; was “little” in stature, as is generally reported of him, and as his name “Paul” may be thought to signify, and might be given him on that account; see 2Co 10:10; and was little in his own eyes, less than the least of all saints, and the chief of sinners; one born out of due time, and unworthy to be called an apostle; as well as he was little and contemptible in the eyes of others; yet he was greatly honoured by Christ, had an authority from him, was a “ruler” in his churches; set in the first place there, made an apostle, and was an apostle of the Gentiles, and not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles; and he was a principal in this progress, and therefore is named first: he was a chosen vessel to bear the name of Christ, and carry it into the Gentile world; he travelled and laboured more abundantly than the rest, and preached the Gospel fully from Jerusalem round about to Illyricum. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions, render it, “there was Benjamin the younger in an ecstasy”, or trance, as the Apostle Paul was, Ac 9:9; but our version is best;
the princes of Judah, [and] their council; or “company”, as Kimchi; their churches, or congregations over which they presided, or were the means of gathering; these were the apostles, some of which were of the tribe of Judah, of which tribe Christ was, and so must be those that are called his brethren, Mt 13:55; these were “princes”, not only in common with other Christians, by adoption and regeneration, but by their office, being apostles, and over others in the Lord; and besides the church at Jerusalem, where James presided, there were other churches in Judea, which had spiritual guides and governors over them; see Heb 13:7; and so the Septuagint version, and those that follow it, render the words, “the princes of Judah, their governors”; and so Aben Ezra interprets them, and observes that “regem”, in Zec 7:2 so signifies; to which the sense of R. Menachem in Jarchi agrees, who renders it “their purpled ones”; so Cocceius; but Gussetius z renders it “their stoning”; who stoned those that preached the Gospel to them; see Mt 21:35; or stoned their enemies, conquered them; or “their stone” a, the Messiah, that sprung from Judah, Ge 49:24;
the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali; the rest of the apostles, who were of Galilee, in which country lay the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali: such as Peter, Andrew, James and John, Philip and Nathaniel, see Mt 4:13.
y “dominans eos”, Pagninus, Montanus, Gejerus; “dominator eorum”, Musculus: so Tigurine version, Cocceius. z Ebr. Comment. p. 777. a Vid. Teelman. Explic. Parabol. p. 312.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(27) There is . . .The procession is apparently a representative one. and the conjecture is probable which refers the selection of Zebulun and Naphtali to their prominence in Deborahs song. Benjamin may owe its position to the fact that it gave the nation its first king, and Judah would naturally figure in the pomp as the tribe of David. But other considerations besides may have had weight. The selection may have been made as representative of the two kingdoms.
Their ruler.The Hebrew word has always a sense of a high-handed conquerors rule, with the possible exception of Jer. 5:31. There is probably still a reference to Saul and his conquestslittle Benjamin who conquered for thee, or, possibly, here Benjamin takes the victors place as leader of the procession.
Their council.The reading must certainly be changed in accordance with Psa. 55:14. Their crowd, or company.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
27. Little Benjamin Or, Benjamin the younger, as the word often signifies, (Gen 43:33; Gen 48:13😉 or it may here denote “little” or few as to numbers, compared with other tribes, and from the cause mentioned Jdg 20:47. This also would contrast with Judah, if we take , ( rigmah,) council, in the more obvious sense of multitude, thus: “Little Benjamin the princes of Judah, their multitude.” The tribes mentioned represent not only the extreme parts of the land, but such as had distinguished themselves by their valour, strength, or dominion.
There In the procession.
Benjamin with their ruler Compliment to Saul, who had signalized himself by conquest. 1Sa 14:46-48.
Princes of Judah See Gen 49:8-10; Psa 60:7.
With their council With their throng of population, as above.
Zebulun, and Naphtali Two of the most distinguished of the northern tribes. Jdg 5:18
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Psa 68:27. There is little Benjamin with their ruler There is no need of this supplemental preposition with; for as Benjamin is styled little, because he was the least of the tribes, so he is called their ruler or commander, because Saul, their first king, was of that tribe; and I apprehend that David particularly mentions the tribe of Benjamin not only to do honour to them, but to shew their affection to him, and attachment to his interest, by attending him, as he now made his public entry as king of Israel into Jerusalem, established himself in the throne in that capital, and thereby cut off all hopes of the kingdom’s ever returning to the former tribe and family. It is no wonder he should mention the princes of Judah and their council; because he was of that tribe, and elected by them to be their king. This tribe was certainly the council or chief support of the Israelitish constitution, both in the cabinet and in the field; in the former it had the lead: the founder of this tribe was in a peculiar manner worthy of the title of counsellor; he being the person who prevailed over his brethren, not to kill, but sell their brother to the Midianites: he acted as a counsellor to Jacob himself; in persuading him to consent to their going into Egypt; nay, he was a counsellor to Joseph too, whose policy he baffled in the most pathetic speech that can be conceived. The dignity of counsel belonged to his descendants, as they partook of the honours of David, elected from among them; whom all the tribes acknowledged as their lawful sovereign, and from whom descended a very long race of kings; as they had in their tribe the throne, the temple, and the metropolis; and as all the tribes were enjoined to go thither at all solemn festivals to worship. We need not mention that our Blessed Lord, styled the Mighty Counsellor by the prophet Isaiah, was descended from, and crowned the dignities which always belonged to this tribe. See Durrell’s Parallel Prophesies, p. 52. The princes of Zabulun and Naphtali are added, as the most remote, to shew the unanimity of the whole nation, and of all the tribes far and near, in attending this solemnity; to testify their willing acknowledgment of David for their king, and their consent that henceforward Jerusalem, the city of David, should be declared and esteemed as the capital of the whole nation.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Psa 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.
Ver. 27. There is little Benjamin with their ruler ] Though before they had stood out for Saul and his house, yet now they bore a part in this solemn celebrity, as being next unto the sanctuary. Of this tribe was St Paul, Tricubitalis ille homuncio, sed insatiabilis Dei cultor, as Chrysostom calleth him, little in stature, but in labours more abundant. The first precious stone in the foundation of the New Jerusalem is a jasper, Rev 21:19 , which in Aaron’s breastplate was the last, Exo 28:20 , on which Benjamin’s name was graven. This intimateth, saith Ainsworth, the last now to be first, and chief in Christian Churches.
The princes of Judah and their council
The princes of Zebulun
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Benjamin. The least of the tribes, and last on the jasper stone of Aaron’s breastplate. Compare Exo 28:20. Jasper is the first Stone in the foundations of Rev 21:19.
and their council = their company.
Zebulun. Four tribes named: two in the extreme south, and two in the extreme north.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
little: Gen 42:32, Jdg 20:35, Jdg 21:6-25, 1Sa 9:21, 1Ch 12:16, 1Ch 12:29, 1Ch 15:3, 1Ch 27:12
princes: Psa 47:9, Psa 60:7, Isa 11:13, Eze 37:19-27
and their council: or, with their company
Reciprocal: Gen 30:20 – and she 2Sa 3:19 – Benjamin
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 68:27. There is little Benjamin Present in this solemn pomp of carrying the ark to Zion, under the conduct of David their king. That tribe is called little, partly because it was the youngest, as being descended from Jacobs youngest son, and principally because it was exceedingly diminished, and almost annihilated under the judges. And he notices it particularly here, both because it was nearest to Judah, and to the place to which the ark was now carried; and also to signify their reconciliation and submission to David, against whom they had stood out with more obstinacy than any other tribe, as having been so long used to govern, and unwilling to part with the regal dignity, which was, by Gods appointment, first seated among them. With their ruler With the prince of their tribe, who marched at the head of them. Hebrew, Benjamin their ruler; the tribe which had lately swayed the sceptre, but now submitted to David. The princes of Judah It is no wonder that he should mention the princes of this tribe, because he was elected by them to be their king; their council This tribe was certainly the council or chief support of the Israelitish constitution, both in the cabinet and the field; in the former it had the lead. The princes of Zebulun and Naphtali are added, as the most remote, to show the unanimity of the whole nation, and of all the tribes far and near, in attending this solemnity; to testify their willing acknowledgment of David for their king, and their consent, that henceforward Jerusalem, the city of David, should be declared and esteemed the capital of the whole nation.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
68:27 There [is] {x} little Benjamin [with] their {y} ruler, the princes of Judah [and] their council, the princes of Zebulun, [and] the princes of Naphtali.
(x) Benjamin is called little, because he was the youngest son of Jacob.
(y) Who was some chief ruler of the tribe.