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.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 28
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 28
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם
H8032
בִּֽהְי֨וֹת
H1961
בִּֽהְי֨וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 28
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 28
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָיִ֛יתָה
H1961
הָיִ֛יתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 28
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מּוֹצִ֥יא
over us thou wast he that leddest out
H3318
מּוֹצִ֥יא
over us thou wast he that leddest out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
11 of 28
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְהַמֵּבִ֖י
and broughtest in
H935
וְהַמֵּבִ֖י
and broughtest in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 28
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 28
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יְהוָ֜ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 28
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תִרְעֶ֤ה
to thee Thou shalt feed
H7462
תִרְעֶ֤ה
to thee Thou shalt feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
19 of 28
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּי֙
my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
21 of 28
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
23 of 28
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
25 of 28
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְנָגִ֖יד
and thou shalt be a captain
H5057
לְנָגִ֖יד
and thou shalt be a captain
Strong's:
H5057
Word #:
26 of 28
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
Cross References
Matthew 2:6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Micah 5:4And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.Ezekiel 34:23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.2 Samuel 7:7In 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?Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.1 Samuel 25:30And 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;Isaiah 55:4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.1 Samuel 18:13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.Numbers 27:17Which 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.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God establishing His chosen king provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of God establishing His chosen king?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.