2 Samuel 5:2 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Even in the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who led Israel's armies into battle and brought them home safely. And the LORD told you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their leader.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is acknowledging that David has always been Israel's true military leader and that God has chosen him to shepherd and lead the nation.

📚 Historical Context

This verse records the words of Israel's tribal leaders as they come to make David king over all Israel at Hebron. David had already been king over Judah for seven years, while the northern tribes had followed Saul's son Ish-bosheth. The leaders are recognizing that even during Saul's reign, David was the real military commander who protected Israel.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Chronicles 11:2

Even in the past, when Saul was still king, you were the one who led Israel's armies out to battle and brought them safely home. And the LORD your God told you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their ruler.'

Psalms 78:71

From caring for pregnant sheep, God brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

1 Samuel 16:12

So Jesse sent for David and brought him in from the fields. David had a healthy, reddish complexion and was handsome with a pleasant face - good-looking in every way. And the LORD said to Samuel, 'Get up and anoint him with oil, because this is the one I have chosen.'

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