1 Chronicles 11:2

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.

And moreover in time {H8543} past {H8032}, even when Saul {H7586} was king {H4428}, thou wast he that leddest out {H3318} and broughtest in {H935} Israel {H3478}: and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} said {H559} unto thee, Thou shalt feed {H7462} my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, and thou shalt be ruler {H5057} over my people {H1571} Israel {H3478}.

In the past, even when Sha'ul was king, it was you who led Isra'el's military campaigns; and ADONAI your God said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Isra'el, and you will be chief over my people Isra'el.'"

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.’”

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 11:2

This verse is part of the narrative in 1 Chronicles where all the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron to make him king over all Israel. After Saul's death, David had initially reigned over Judah in Hebron for seven and a half years (2 Samuel 2:11). This passage in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 describes the pivotal moment when the entire nation unites under David's leadership. The elders of Israel present three main reasons for their decision to anoint David: their shared lineage with David, his proven military leadership even during Saul's reign, and God's explicit divine appointment of him as ruler and shepherd.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment of David: The most significant theme is that David's kingship was not merely a political maneuver but a direct fulfillment of God's plan. The elders explicitly state, "the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel." This acknowledges a long-standing divine decree, possibly referring to Samuel's anointing of David or later prophetic words like God's promise to David through Nathan.
  • Proven Leadership Under Saul: Even when Saul was king, David was the one who "leddest out and broughtest in Israel." This phrase is an idiom signifying complete military command and successful leadership in battle. It highlights David's established competence and popularity among the people long before he became king.
  • The Shepherd-King Metaphor: The declaration "Thou shalt feed my people Israel" uses powerful imagery. The Hebrew word for "feed" (ra'ah) literally means "to shepherd" or "to pasture." This emphasizes that David's role as king was not just about wielding power, but about caring for, protecting, and providing for his people, much like a shepherd cares for his flock. This concept of a shepherd-king is central to understanding biblical leadership.
  • Unity and Recognition: The fact that "all Israel" came to David signifies a widespread recognition of his legitimate claim to the throne, based on both his character and God's clear calling.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "leddest out and broughtest in" (Hebrew: yatsa' v'bo') is a common military idiom in the Old Testament. It describes a leader who has full authority and capability in leading troops into battle and bringing them back safely. It speaks to strategic command and successful campaigns, reinforcing David's reputation as a skilled warrior and commander.

The word "feed" (Hebrew: ra'ah) is crucial. It’s the same word used for a literal shepherd tending sheep. Its application to a king transforms the understanding of rulership from mere authority to one of nurturing care, provision, and guidance. This sets a high standard for leadership, emphasizing service over self-interest, echoing the themes found in Psalm 23 and later applied to Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 11:2 offers valuable lessons for leadership today. It reminds us that true leadership, especially in a spiritual context, is rooted in God's calling and characterized by a shepherd's heart. Leaders are called to "feed" (care for, guide, protect, and provide for) those under their charge, rather than simply exercising authority. It also highlights the importance of proven character and competence. David's past actions under Saul served as a testament to his fitness for a greater role. For believers, this verse underscores the truth that God often prepares individuals through smaller assignments before entrusting them with larger responsibilities, always with the ultimate goal of serving His people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 5:2 (5 votes)

    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.

  • John 10:4 (4 votes)

    And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

  • 2 Samuel 7:7 (3 votes)

    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?

  • Psalms 78:71 (3 votes)

    From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (2 votes)

    Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

  • Numbers 27:17 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 55:4 (2 votes)

    Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.