תהלים, פרק ס״ח, פסוק כ״ח

A grand assembly of Israel's tribes unfolds, highlighting a powerful moment of national leadership and devotion centered around Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali. The primary approach among commentators connects this gathering to the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea. In this dramatic scene, the tribe of Benjamin, despite being the youngest, demonstrated profound devotion by leaping into the waters first. As a reward for this supreme self-sacrifice, Benjamin was granted the mantle of royalty, eventually producing King Saul, who would lead and rule over Israel [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Some even interpret the description of Benjamin's rule as a hidden phrase indicating that they went down to the sea [תורה תמימה, אלשיך]. However, this bold act sparked intense spiritual competition. The other tribes, led by the princes of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali, grew envious of Benjamin's initiative. Driven by a fierce desire to be the first to enter the sea and prove their own dedication, they threw stones at the younger tribe [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אלשיך].

Another historical perspective places this momentous gathering not at the sea, but in Jerusalem. Here, the city serves as a center of blessing and song where the tribal leaders converged to praise God [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In this context, Benjamin is noted as either the youngest son or a tribe significantly reduced in numbers following the tragic episode of the concubine in Gibeah [אבן עזרא]. Yet, despite their diminished size, the tribe successfully rules over its enemies [רד״ק, מאירי]. Rather than an act of throwing stones, the interaction among the tribes is understood here as a peaceful assembly. The gathering of Judah's leaders represents a unified congregation [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ], a council of nobles [אבן עזרא], or an expression of pure glory and splendor [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The presence of Zebulun and Naphtali symbolizes either the remnants of the Ten Tribes who journeyed to Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah [רד״ק, מאירי], or a broader representation of the entire nation of Israel gathering from one end of the land to the other [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, the imagery of stones is maintained but directed outward, suggesting that the leaders of Judah will cast stones to destroy their enemies [מאירי].

A final approach views the scene through a poetic lens, illustrating a decisive military victory. The captured nations are compared to wild beasts or cattle submitting to Israel's authority. The youngest tribe, Benjamin, takes the lead in subduing and ruling over these conquered peoples. Meanwhile, the leaders of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali guide the captives forward by tossing clusters of stones to direct their path, much like a herder driving cattle [מלבי״ם].