1 Chronicles 11 2

1 Chronicles 11:2 kjv

And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:2 nkjv

Also, in time past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD your God said to you, 'You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over My people Israel.' "

1 Chronicles 11:2 niv

In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'?"

1 Chronicles 11:2 esv

In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.'"

1 Chronicles 11:2 nlt

In the past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the LORD your God told you, 'You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be the leader of my people Israel.'"

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 2 Meaning

This verse records the formal recognition of David by all the elders of Israel at Hebron. It encapsulates two pivotal reasons for his ascension to kingship: first, his proven leadership and military capability "even before this, while Saul was still king," and second, the divine decree from "the LORD your God" appointing him to "shepherd My people Israel" and become their "ruler." This highlights that David's kingship was a combination of divine choice and demonstrable competence.

1 Chronicles 11 2 Context

This verse immediately follows the declaration that all Israel gathered to David at Hebron to make him king, affirming their unity with him. It is part of the elders' direct address to David, articulating their reasons for accepting him as king. This occurred after the civil war following Saul's death, establishing David as king over all twelve tribes, not just Judah. The larger context of 1 Chronicles aims to validate David's legitimate kingship and lineage, highlighting God's sovereign hand in appointing him. Historically, David's military successes against the Philistines and his loyal service, even while Saul was pursuing him, cemented his reputation as a capable leader among the people, making him the logical choice to unify the fractured kingdom.

1 Chronicles 11 2 Word analysis

• Even before this: Signifies a recognition of David's pre-existing qualities and divine favor, predating his formal anointing over all Israel. It underlines that his kingship was not sudden or opportunistic.
• while Saul was still king: Emphasizes David's long-standing leadership qualities and his proven faithfulness, even under Saul's turbulent reign. It affirms that David’s leadership was observed and trusted even before the vacuum created by Saul’s death.
• you who led Israel on their campaigns: The Hebrew phrase used here is הָיִ֤יתָה הַיּוֹצֵא֙ וְהַמֵּבִ֔יא (hayita hayyoṣē wəhammēḇi), literally "you were the one going out and coming in." This is a significant idiomatic expression denoting full, active, and effective leadership in all spheres, especially military campaigns and administration (cf. Num 27:17, 1 Sam 18:16). It speaks of visible, successful engagement and management of the nation's affairs.
• And the LORD your God: (יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ YHWH Eloheykha). This refers to the covenant God of Israel. The inclusion of "your God" emphasizes a personal, established relationship between Yahweh and David, grounding the subsequent promise in divine authority. It validates the divine source of David's authority.
• said to you: This signifies a direct or indirectly revealed divine command or promise concerning David’s future role, perhaps through the prophet Samuel's anointing (1 Sam 16:1-13) or God’s clear intervention in his life. It establishes divine legitimacy.
• 'You will shepherd my people Israel': (אַתָּה֩ תִרְעֶ֨ה אֶת־עַמִּ֥י אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ attah tirʿeh ʾet-ʿammī ʾet-yiśrāʾēl).
  • shepherd: (רָעָה ra'ah). This is a profound metaphor for leadership throughout the Bible. It implies care, protection, provision, guidance, nurturing, and intimacy with the flock. Unlike brute force, a shepherd guides, feeds, and defends his sheep. This divinely given role emphasizes David's responsibility to care for Israel as God’s flock. It also serves as a polemic against the failed kingship of Saul, who did not adequately "shepherd" Israel.
  • my people Israel: Stresses that Israel belongs to God. David is merely an under-shepherd, ruling on God’s behalf and according to His will. This limits royal power and ensures the king's accountability to God.
• and you will become their ruler': (וְאַתָּה֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לְנָגִ֔יד עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ wəʾattah tihyeh lə-nāgīd ʿal-yiśrāʾēl).
  • ruler: (נָגִיד nāgīd). This Hebrew term is significant. It describes a leader who is divinely appointed or designated, often with princely authority, and indicates God's specific choice. Unlike melech (king), which could refer to any monarch, nāgīd emphasizes divine election and often prefigures the ultimate Davidic nāgīd, the Messiah. It underscores that David's rule is founded on divine election, not merely human will or military conquest.

1 Chronicles 11 2 Bonus section

• The Chronicler, writing for an audience perhaps after the exile, emphasizes David's legitimacy and the spiritual foundations of the monarchy. This verse contributes significantly to that aim by stressing the divine promise.
• The phrasing in 1 Chr 11:2 differs slightly from its parallel in 2 Sam 5:2, particularly concerning the exact wording of God's promise. The Chronicles version is more explicit about David being appointed to "shepherd" Israel and become their "ruler" (nāgīd), solidifying the theological underpinnings of his rule. This emphasis aligns with the Chronicler's focus on the sacred and God-ordained aspects of the monarchy.
• The title nāgīd is frequently used for God-appointed leaders (e.g., Saul, David, Hezekiah) in Samuel and Chronicles. It points to a unique status conferred by God, suggesting an ideal ruler who aligns with divine purposes. This sets a precedent for leadership chosen by divine favor, pointing forward to the ultimate Messiah.
• The act of anointing in Hebron by all the tribes underscores the political and religious unification achieved through David, under God’s sovereign direction.

1 Chronicles 11 2 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:2 acts as a foundational statement, justifying David's kingship by integrating popular acclamation with divine mandate. The elders, representing "all Israel," highlight David’s undisputed pre-eminence during Saul's reign, emphasizing his military success and public favor (implied by "going out and coming in before them"). This counters any perception of David as a mere usurper or political opportunist. More profoundly, the verse emphasizes that David's kingship was part of God's redemptive plan. The divine declaration, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler," encapsulates David’s divinely ordained role. The "shepherd" metaphor highlights his responsibility for caring for, protecting, and guiding God's own chosen people with a benevolent and compassionate hand. The term "ruler" (nāgīd) further solidifies his divine appointment, marking him as God's chosen one rather than a king installed purely by human choice. This dual emphasis – demonstrated capability and divine election – established David’s authority as legitimate and set the stage for the glorious Davidic kingdom and covenant, which ultimately pointed to the Greater Shepherd-King, Jesus Christ.