2 Samuel 5:2

2 Samuel 5:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and Jehovah said to thee, Thou shalt be shepherd of my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In the past when Saul was king over us, it was you who went at the head of Israel when they went out or came in: and the Lord said to you, You are to be the keeper of my people Israel and their ruler.

Free Bible Version FBV

Previously when Saul was our king, you were the one who led the Israelite army into battle. The Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be their ruler.’”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And in time past when Saul was our King, thou leddest Israel in and out: and the Lord hath sayde to thee, Thou shalt feede my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captaine ouer Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

also heretofore, in Saul's being king over us, thou hast been he who is bringing out and bringing in Israel, and Jehovah saith to thee, Thou dost feed My people Israel, and thou art for leader over Israel.'

World English Bible WEB

In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. The LORD said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Moreover yesterday also and the day before, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that did lead out and bring in Israel: and the Lord said to thee: Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

In the past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led our Israeli soldiers in our battles. You are the one to whom Yahweh promised, ‘You will be the leader [MET] of my people; you will be their king.’ ”

Plain English Version PEV

While Saul was the big boss of all of us in Israel, you were boss of all the soldiers. At that time, God told you, ‘One day, you will be the big boss, and you will look after my people, the Israel mob, like a shepherd looks after his sheep.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 5:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB גַּם אֶתְמ֣וֹל גַּם שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם בִּ/הְי֨וֹת שָׁא֥וּל מֶ֨לֶךְ֙ עָלֵ֔י/נוּ אַתָּ֗ה הייתה הָיִ֛יתָ מוציא הַ/מּוֹצִ֥יא ו/ה/מבי וְ/הַ/מֵּבִ֖יא אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה לְ/ךָ֗ אַתָּ֨ה תִרְעֶ֤ה אֶת עַמִּ/י֙ אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְ/אַתָּ֛ה תִּהְיֶ֥ה לְ/נָגִ֖יד עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אֶתְמ֣וֹל ʼethmôwl H865 previously N-ms

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם shilshôwm H8032 three days ago N-ms

בִּ/הְי֨וֹת hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

שָׁא֥וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

מֶ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's N-ms

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אַתָּ֗ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

הייתה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-2ms

הָיִ֛יתָ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-2ms

מוציא yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Hiphil

הַ/מּוֹצִ֥יא yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Art | V-Hiphil

ו/ה/מבי bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | Art | V-Hiphil

וְ/הַ/מֵּבִ֖יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | Art | V-Hiphil

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לְ/ךָ֗ Prep | Suff

אַתָּ֨ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

תִרְעֶ֤ה râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עַמִּ/י֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וְ/אַתָּ֛ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

תִּהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

לְ/נָגִ֖יד nâgîyd H5057 leader Prep | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 5:2

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אֶתְמ֣וֹל ʼethmôwl H865 "previously" N-ms

This word refers to a time in the past, such as yesterday or formerly. It is used to describe events that happened before the present time, and can also mean recently or of old.

Definition: 1) yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1b) formerly (fig.) 1c) from yesterday, already (in phrase) 2) (TWOT +) before, before that time, before the time, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that) time, [phrase] heretofore, of late (old), [phrase] times past, yester(day). See also: 1 Samuel 4:7; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 90:4.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם shilshôwm H8032 "three days ago" N-ms

The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.

Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.

בִּ/הְי֨וֹת hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

שָׁא֥וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

מֶ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אַתָּ֗ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

הייתה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

הָיִ֛יתָ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

מוציא yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Hiphil

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

הַ/מּוֹצִ֥יא yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Art | V-Hiphil

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

ו/ה/מבי bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | Art | V-Hiphil

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

וְ/הַ/מֵּבִ֖יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | Art | V-Hiphil

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לְ/ךָ֗ "" Prep | Suff

אַתָּ֨ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִרְעֶ֤ה râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.

Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עַמִּ/י֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וְ/אַתָּ֛ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִּהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

לְ/נָגִ֖יד nâgîyd H5057 "leader" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.

Definition: 1) leader, ruler, captain, prince 1a) ruler, prince 1b) prince-overseer 1c) ruler (in other capacities) 1d) princely things

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince, (chief) ruler. See also: 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 29:22; Psalms 76:13.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 5:2

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2 Samuel 5:2 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:2
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:2
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:2
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:2
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Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:2

Context — David Anointed King of All Israel

1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

2Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

3So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 2:6	‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ”
2	Micah 5:4	He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.
3	Ezekiel 34:23	I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
4	Ezekiel 37:24–25	My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever.
5	John 10:11	I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
6	2 Samuel 7:7	In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’
7	Isaiah 40:11	He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
8	1 Samuel 25:30	When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,
9	Isaiah 55:4	Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.
10	Psalms 78:70–72	He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

2 Samuel 5:2 Summary

[This verse reminds us that David was chosen by God to lead His people Israel, and that he had already demonstrated his leadership abilities while Saul was king. As seen in 1 Samuel 16:13 and Psalm 78:70-72, David's role as a shepherd and ruler was a significant part of God's plan for Israel. Just like a shepherd cares for his flock, David was called to guide and protect God's people, and this sets an example for us today to care for those around us, as mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46. By following David's example and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can learn to lead and serve others in a way that honors Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that David led Israel out and brought them back?

This refers to David's leadership and military victories while Saul was still king, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:13 and 1 Samuel 23:1-12, where David protected and delivered the people of Israel from their enemies, demonstrating his ability to lead and care for them.

Why did the LORD say David would shepherd His people Israel?

The LORD's statement emphasizes David's role as a spiritual leader, guiding and caring for God's people, much like a shepherd tends to his flock, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Ezekiel 34:11-16, where God Himself is described as the Shepherd of His people.

What is the significance of the LORD's promise to David in this verse?

The promise signifies God's sovereign choice and anointing of David as the ruler over Israel, as also seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David was anointed by Samuel, and emphasizes God's plan to establish David's dynasty, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 7:12-16.

How does this verse relate to David's overall reign as king?

This verse sets the stage for David's reign, highlighting his leadership abilities, divine appointment, and the covenant made with him, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:3, which would shape the course of his kingship and the future of Israel, as referenced in 1 Kings 2:1-4 and Psalm 89:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to be a leader after God's own heart, and how can I apply this to my own life?
In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty in my own life, just as David did when he became king?
How can I balance my own strengths and abilities with a humble recognition of God's guidance and direction, as seen in David's life?
What are some ways I can 'shepherd' or care for those around me, whether in my family, community, or church, as David was called to do?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us,.... Even over all the tribes of Israel: thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel; that led out the armies of Israel against their enemies,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:2

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:2

Thou wast our chief commander in our expeditions against the Philistines, and therefore art most fit to be king over us. The Lord said to thee, to wit, by Samuel, ; for though the words vary, yet the sense is the same. Thou shalt feed my people Israel i.e. rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, ,71. This expression he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory and interest, but for the good and benefit of his people; and that he ought to rule them with all tenderness, and to watch over them with all diligence.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:2

2 Samuel 5:2 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.Ver. 2. That leddest out and broughtest in.] Educebas et reducebas. And the Lord said to thee,] viz., When thou wast first anointed by Samuel, then was this word added to that sign; though for brevity’ s sake it is not there mentioned. So when Christ was baptized, there came a voice from heaven. And so still he sanctifieth and cleanseth his Church "with the washing of water by the word."

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:2

2. thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel] David had won the good-will of the people as their leader in war. Cp. 1 Samuel 18:5; 1 Samuel 18:13; 1 Samuel 18:16. the Lord said to thee] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:9. Thou shalt feed] Lit. “thou shalt shepherd” (LXX. ποιμανεῖς): a natural metaphor to express the ruler’s care for his people. It is used by Greek poets, e.g. Homer, whose regular title for Agamemnon is ποιμὴνλαῶν, “shepherd of the peoples.” But it was especially appropriate in the case of David, who was taken from the sheepfolds of Bethlehem to be the shepherd of Israel (Psalms 78:70-72), as the fishers of the Galilean lake were called to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), and (except perhaps in Genesis 49:24) it does not appear to be used in the O. T. before his time. captain] The title given to Saul in 1 Samuel 9:16, &c., and to David in 1 Samuel 25:30 (E. V. ruler).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:2

2. Thou… leddest — As general of Saul’s forces. See 1 Samuel 18:5.Thou shalt feed my people — This prophecy, like that of 2 Samuel 3:18, is nowhere else recorded, but had probably been uttered by one of the prophets of that age.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:2

	Sermon	Description
	Birthing the Authentic by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the consolation of Israel, as demonstrated by Simeon and Anna. The consolation referred to is the authentic gif
	Span-01 the Three Wise Men by Art Katz	In this video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship as giving our treasure, which includes our life and substance, to God alone. He explains that worship is not just e
	Gods Perfect Planning - Part 1 by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of hypocrisy in religious leaders. He emphasizes that while there are strict laws for others, these leaders often have a double stan
	Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 4 by David Adams	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of love. He uses the example of Mary, who was so moved by her love for Jesus that she took action. Four action verb
	Micah 5:4 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the greatness of the Messiah as prophesied in Micah 5:4, highlighting His future reign from Jerusalem and His humble beginnings in Bethlehem. He discusses th
	Jehovah-Jesus, the Priest, Prince and Protector of His People by Thomas Bradbury	Thomas Bradbury preaches on the strength and majesty of the Lord as depicted in Micah 5:4, highlighting the dark times of error and idolatry faced by God's covenant people. He emph
	The Message of Micah by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Message of Micah,' emphasizing the unmasking of false authority among civil, spiritual, and moral rulers who act for personal