Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:
However, the LORD God of Israel chose me from all my father's family to be king over Israel forever. He chose the tribe of Judah to rule, and from Judah he chose my father's family, and from among my father's sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel.
David is explaining that God specifically chose him from his entire family line to be king over Israel, showing it was God's decision, not his own ambition.
📚 Historical Context
David is speaking to the leaders of Israel near the end of his life, preparing to pass the throne to his son Solomon. This was part of his final public address where he recounted God's faithfulness and explained the divine selection process that brought him to power. The tribe of Judah had been prophetically designated as the ruling tribe since Jacob's blessing in Genesis.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.