2 Samuel 5:2
New International Version
In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”

New Living Translation
In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the LORD told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’”

English Standard Version
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’”

Berean Standard Bible
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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a leader over Israel.’”

NASB 1995
“Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’”

NASB 1977
“Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and Yahweh said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’”

Amplified Bible
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out [to war] and brought Israel in [from battle]. And the LORD told you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over them.’”

Christian Standard Bible
Even while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led us out to battle and brought us back. The LORD also said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be ruler over Israel.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led us out to battle and brought us back. The LORD also said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over Israel.’”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Even when Saul was king, you led our nation in battle. And the LORD promised that someday you would rule Israel and take care of us like a shepherd."

English Revised Version
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Even in the past when Saul ruled us, you were the one who led Israel in battle. The LORD has said to you, 'You will be shepherd of my people Israel, the leader of Israel.'"

Good News Translation
In the past, even when Saul was still our king, you led the people of Israel in battle, and the LORD promised you that you would lead his people and be their ruler."

International Standard Version
Even back when Saul was our king, it was you who kept on leading Israel out to battle and bringing them back again. The LORD told you, 'You yourself will shepherd my people Israel and serve as Commander-in-Chief over Israel.'"

Majority Standard Bible
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.’”

NET Bible
In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.'"

New Heart English Bible
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. The LORD said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be ruler over Israel.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. Yahweh said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
also thus far, in Saul’s being king over us, you have been he who is bringing out and bringing in Israel, and YHWH says to you, You feed My people Israel, and you are for leader over Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Also yesterday, also the third day, in Saul being king over us, thou wert bringing out and bringing in Israel And Jehovah will say to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be for leader over Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, yesterday and the day before, when Saul was king over us, you were the one leading out and leading back Israel. Then the Lord said to you, ‘You shall pasture my people Israel, and you shall be the leader over Israel.’ ”

New American Bible
In days past, when Saul was still our king, you were the one who led Israel out in all its battles and brought it back. And the LORD said to you: You shall shepherd my people Israel; you shall be ruler over Israel.”

New Revised Standard Version
For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel; and the LORD said to you, You shall feed my people Israel, and you shall be a ruler over my people Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also from yesterday and from the day before yesterday, when Shaul was King over us, you were the one bringing out and bringing in Israel, and LORD JEHOVAH said to you: ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and you will be the Leader over my people Israel’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that didst 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And heretofore Saul being king over us, thou was he that didst lead out and bring in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be for a leader to my people Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Anointed King over 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.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 16:12-13
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

1 Samuel 18:13-16
Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, / and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. / When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. ...

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,

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 9:16
“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

1 Kings 8:16
‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

1 Kings 14:7-8
Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. / I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes.

Psalm 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.

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.

Ezekiel 37:24
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.

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.’”

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were he that led out and brought in Israel: and the LORD said to you, You shall feed my people Israel, and you shall be a captain over Israel.

leddest out

Numbers 27:17
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

1 Samuel 18:13,16
Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people…

1 Samuel 25:28
I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

feed

2 Samuel 7:7
In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?

1 Samuel 16:1,12,13
And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons…

1 Samuel 25:30
And it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;

a captain

1 Samuel 9:16
To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

2 Kings 20:5
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

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Broughtest Campaigns Captain Feed Head Heretofore Israel Keeper Led Military Past Previously Prince Ruler Saul Saul's Shepherd Time Times Wast
2 Samuel 5
1. The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,
4. David's age
6. Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it
11. Hiram sends to David,
13. Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem
17. David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim
22. And again at the mulberry trees














Even while Saul was king over us
This phrase acknowledges the historical context of David's rise to power. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel but eventually fell out of favor with God due to his disobedience. The Hebrew root for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) signifies a ruler or sovereign, emphasizing the authority Saul held. Despite Saul's reign, David was recognized as a leader, indicating his God-given destiny and the people's awareness of his potential. This reflects the divine orchestration in leadership transitions, where God's plans prevail despite human authority.

you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back
This phrase highlights David's role as a military leader and shepherd of the people. The Hebrew verbs for "led out" (יָצָא, yatsa) and "brought back" (בּוֹא, bo) convey movement and guidance, akin to a shepherd with his flock. David's leadership was not just in battle but in ensuring the safety and return of his people, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Historically, David's military prowess and strategic acumen were well-documented, earning him respect and loyalty from the tribes of Israel.

And the LORD said to you
This phrase underscores the divine calling and anointing of David. The use of "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) signifies the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His sovereign will and purpose. God's direct communication with David through prophets like Samuel highlights the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king was subject to divine authority. This serves as a reminder of God's active role in guiding His people and establishing leaders according to His will.

You will shepherd My people Israel
The metaphor of a shepherd (רָעָה, ra'ah) is rich with meaning, portraying leadership as nurturing, guiding, and protecting. David, once a literal shepherd, was called to shepherd God's people, reflecting a leadership style based on care and responsibility. This imagery foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, who leads His flock with love and sacrifice. The historical context of shepherding in ancient Israel, a common occupation, would resonate deeply with the people, illustrating the relational and pastoral nature of David's kingship.

and you will be ruler over Israel
The term "ruler" (נָגִיד, nagid) implies a leader or prince, one who stands at the forefront. This designation confirms David's God-ordained position as king, distinct from Saul's failed kingship. The historical transition from Saul to David marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where God's choice of a ruler aligns with His covenantal promises. David's rule, characterized by a heart after God, sets a standard for leadership that prioritizes obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.

Verse 2. - Thou shalt feed. In biblical language the pastoral office is that of the civil and not of the spiritual ruler. Captain; Hebrew, nagid, prince; so the Revised Version (and see note on 1 Samuel 9:16). The word refers not to military matters, but to the civil administration. David had proved himself a competent leader in war when Saul was king. What Jehovah now gives is the government of Israel in time of peace. The Authorized Version renders "captain" from not perceiving that the Divine promise ensured to David far more than a military chieftainship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Even
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

in times past,
שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם (šil·šō·wm)
Adverb
Strong's 8032: Three days ago, day before, yesterday

while Saul
שָׁא֥וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was
בִּהְי֨וֹת (bih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

king
מֶ֙לֶךְ֙ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

over us,
עָלֵ֔ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

you
אַתָּ֗ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

were the one
הָיִ֛יתָ (hā·yî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

who led Israel out
הַמּוֹצִ֥יא (ham·mō·w·ṣî)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

and brought them back.
וְהַמֵּבִ֖יא (wə·ham·mê·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

And to you
לְךָ֗ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘You
אַתָּ֨ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will shepherd
תִרְעֶ֤ה (ṯir·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

My people
עַמִּי֙ (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and you
וְאַתָּ֛ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will be
תִּהְיֶ֥ה (tih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

ruler
לְנָגִ֖יד (lə·nā·ḡîḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5057: A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

[them].’”
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 2 Samuel 5:2 In times past when Saul was king (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 5:1
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