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.

2 SAMUEL 5:2KJV
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2 Samuel 5:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:2 mean?

2 Samuel 5:2 describes how, even while Saul was king, David was the one who led Israel in and out, and that the LORD had declared David would shepherd His people and become their leader. The verse highlights both David’s past leadership and God’s promise that David would be the true ruler over Israel.

In this verse, the elders of Israel are speaking to David at Hebron as they come to make him king. They recall that David was the real military leader during Saul’s reign and point out that God (the LORD) had already said David would "feed" (shepherd) Israel and be their "captain" (leader). This moment marks the recognition of David’s God-given role as king by the people themselves.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:2

  • "Feed" — רָעָה (ra‘ah): This word means "to shepherd" or "to tend." The elders are not just calling David a ruler, but someone who will care for and guide the people like a shepherd with a flock, which adds a sense of responsibility and care to his kingship.
  • "Captain" — נָגִיד (nagid): This term means "leader" or "prince." It emphasizes not just authority, but a recognized, appointed leadership, often with a sense of divine backing or legitimacy.
  • "LORD" — יְהוָה (YHWH): The use of God’s personal name underlines that this promise and appointment come directly from Israel’s God, not just from human decision.

Why 2 Samuel 5:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s leadership was already recognized before he became king, both by the people’s experience and by God’s own declaration.
  • The use of shepherding language shows that the king’s role is not just about power, but about caring for and guiding the people, which shapes the biblical idea of good leadership.
  • By recalling God’s promise, the elders connect David’s kingship to God’s plan, showing that his rise is not just political but also spiritual and divinely guided.

Where else these words appear

“past” Hebrew H865 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
  • Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

“past” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

“captain” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 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 Chronicles 12:27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

“feed” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.