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.
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 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
In the biblical narrative, this verse takes place after King Saul's death, when the elders of Israel are recognizing David as their rightful king and recalling his past leadership in guiding Israel's armies. They reference God's divine appointment of David to shepherd and rule over His people, highlighting the transition from Saul's flawed reign to David's unification of the nation. This moment underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through human history.
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