King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:2 Mean?

“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. in time: Heb. both yesterday and the third day feed: or, rule”

Context

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

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. in time: Heb. both yesterday and the third day feed: or, rule

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. by: Heb. by the hand of

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **In time past.**—*Yesterday,* or *three days since.* A very indefinite phrase, used in Genesis 31:2 of a time fourteen years since, and 2Kings 13:5 of more than forty years ago. **Leddest out.**—To battle. **Broughtest in.**—Of the homeward march. David had thus already discharged kingly functions. (Comp. 1Samuel 8:20; 1Samuel 18:6; 1Samuel 18:13; 1Samuel 18:27; 2Samuel 3:18.) **The Lord thy God said unto** **thee.**—1Samuel 16:13. **Thou shalt feed my people.**—Literally, *shepherd* or *tend them.* The same term is used of the Lord Himself (Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 80:1). The king then is God’s representative, and as such his right is really Divine (Romans 13:1). The cuneiform documents reveal the interesting fact that the term “shepherd,” as applied to sovereigns, is as old as the pre-Semitic stage of Babylonian civilisation (the second millennium B.C. ).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.