Psalm 68 (67):28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the sight of his physical eyes was taken from him, he responded to the Lord, whom he discerned in the spirit, while those accompanying him heard the voice though they did not see anyone. Again, his state of ecstasy is exemplified in his personal revelation, where he mentions knowing a man who was caught up to the third heaven, unsure if it was in the body or out of the body (2 Corinthians 12:2). This individual, raptured to paradise, received unspeakable words that should not be uttered by man.

The leaders of Judah, together with the princes of Zebulun and Naphtali, represent the Apostles as dignitaries, with even Benjamin the younger experiencing ecstasy articulated in the acknowledgment of Paul’s identity; there remains no doubt regarding this interpretation. In the church, those exemplary and of high esteem are often signified as princes. What significance do these tribal names of Israel hold? They are of Hebrew origin: Judah signifies confession, Zebulun denotes a strong dwelling, and Naphtali translates to my expansion. Each of these terms speaks of the esteemed leaders within the Church, deserving of their roles, worthy of emulation and honor. Martyrs occupy the highest ranks in the Church; through the honor of their holy crown, they exceed all others. Yet, martyrdom begins with confession, necessitating the strength to endure all trials; once perseverance is accomplished and obstacles are overcome, a broadening of joy may follow as a reward.

This can also be understood in terms of the Apostle's three commendable virtues: faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Confession aligns with faith, strength corresponds to hope, and the expansion of spirit relates to love. The core of faith is to believe in righteousness with the heart while confessing for salvation with the mouth (Romans 10:10). In times of tribulation, while sorrow may visit, hope remains robust. If we hope for what we do not see, we wait patiently (Romans 8:25). The overflow of love within the heart provides the breadth of spirit, as perfect love casts out fear, and fear involves torment (1 John 4:18) stemming from the soul’s constraints.

It is important to recognize that while Paul plays a significant role, the other Apostles also fulfill the purpose of teaching believers about divine matters; thus, the prophetic text appropriately includes them. The leaders of Judah represent their rulers, alongside the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali, from which the other Apostles descended. The brethren of the Lord, referred to as the Lord's brothers, come from the tribe of Judah. Notably, Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Philip hail from the village of Bethsaida, while Matthew and James are said to have resided in Capernaum. Simon the Zealot is known as a Canaanite; all these locations are part of Galilee, which was situated within Zebulun and Naphtali. Two witnesses corroborate this truth: the Prophet and the Evangelist, with one foretelling and the other affirming, as they proclaim, “The land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and the rest that dwell by the sea, and about this country of Jordan, men sitting in darkness, have seen a great light” (Is. 9:1-2; Mt. 4:15-16).

In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil" (Genesis 49:27). Prior to his conversion, Paul, akin to a wolf, ravaged and destroyed the church of God with his ferocity and murderous intentions, yet afterward, he nourished others with the spiritual sustenance of divine truths, sharing the heavenly bread of God’s Word.

The words of Theodoret describe the sources of Israel as the prophetic scriptures from which we offer a hymn to God. Since alongside the prophetic texts we also have apostolic writings, we should include that Benjamin, the younger—blessed Paul—who is referred to as a young man in the Acts, governs the church, instructs in divine mysteries, and leads the faithful towards salvation. The other apostles likewise diligently teach these mysteries to the believers. The prophetic insights rightfully draw attention to them: the ruler of Judah and others. As Athanasius notes, "There; where?" Among those who sing praises. He rightly places Paul first, as he labored more than any other.

The leaders of Judah are their rulers, as well as the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali. These apostles are characterized not as rulers over kingdoms but rather as chosen and esteemed ones, renowned for their spiritual nobility. Alternately, as Athanasius suggests, they are called the rulers of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali to imply a significant connection. It could also state they hold authority over Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali because they have been appointed as leaders over the entirety of the earth and its inhabitants, as Scripture declares, "You shall make them rulers over all the earth" (Psalms 44:17).

They envision that glorious and solemn procession in which You will come, bringing with You the anticipated kingdom of grace, peace, and holiness.

In this current exalted procession, the singers lead the throng, followed by those with instruments; within these two groups, maidens march and beat upon their drums. Just as after the victory of Michael and his angels (Rev. 12:7), in the triumph of Christ and the Church, the initial sound will be the voice of the great One speaking (Rev. 12:10-12), followed by the resonant song of the virgins (Rev. 14:2-4), and then the Mosaic hymn of those who hold the harps of God (Rev. 15:2-4).

Let everyone behold this scene, not merely as individuals, but as collective congregations and councils, praising God: may you bless those that emerge from the fountain of Israel (Is. 48:1; Is. 51:1), and may you bless the Lord who delights in coming forth from the fountain of Israel (see: Rom. 1:2-4). Here, Benjamin may be small at his birth and limited in number (see Judg. 21:3; 1 Sam. 9:21), yet he signifies possession of Israel through Saul; here are the leaders of Judah from whom the entire line of the Porphyrogenitus descends; right here are the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali, the lesser and more remote tribes: for all the tribes of Israel are represented here. Likewise, at the coming of the Messiah, He will emerge as the Porphyrogenitus from the tribe of Judah, while many of the chief nobles of His hidden kingdom will come from Zebulun and Naphtali, with the solitary one, by name of selection—Benjamin (the Apostle Paul).

David is, in fact, summoning all those descended from the holy patriarch Jacob, also recognized as Israel, to offer praise.

It raises questions as to why the Prophet, while broadly addressing the sacred gatherings of the people, gives precedence to the tribe of Benjamin. Some scholars suggest that the lineage of Benjamin was closely associated with the house of David, given that the other two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, though geographically distant, received similar recognition. Others propose that the labels of distant and near symbolize the entire populace through a figure of synecdoche. However, there could be additional, unknown reasons for the Prophet’s specific mention of Benjamin first, and it may be prudent to leave this aspect unresolved while still considering the aforementioned interpretations.

Moreover, it is not unusual for the Prophets to reference families by their ancestors, which explains why the descendants of Benjamin, relating to their forefather—the youngest among Jacob's sons—are identified as Benjamin the youngest. Additionally, he refers to Benjamin as the ruler, potentially due to a notable warrior from that tribe who achieved remarkable feats in battle, akin to the valor shown by the other two tribes mentioned. In the Septuagint translation, it is noted that Benjamin was filled with fear, implying that the tribe demonstrated great strength and accomplished astounding deeds that instilled fear in their enemies. After acknowledging the tribe of Benjamin along with Naphtali and Zebulun with commendation, he ultimately assigns all honor to the supreme leader, designating the princes of Judah as the principal commanders over the entire military and the whole assembly of the people.

The name of God represents the East, for He is the inapproachable Light and the eternal God, while the journey to the West signifies communion with human suffering, resembling night in contrast to the brightness of the mountain. This illustrates that God’s presence is universal. Thus, regardless of whether you are sitting, walking, engaged in activities, eating, or addressing any physical needs, whether facing east or west, do not neglect to pray, for we are instructed to do so at all times and in every place. Even with your head covered, continue in prayer but be sure to do so with mindfulness.