King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:2 in the King James Version says “And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

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

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

3

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

4

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
גַּ֚ם1 of 29

over my people

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תְּמ֣וֹל2 of 29

And moreover in time

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

גַּ֚ם3 of 29

over my people

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם4 of 29

past

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

גַּ֚ם5 of 29

over my people

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בִּֽהְי֣וֹת6 of 29
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁא֣וּל7 of 29

even when Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מֶ֔לֶךְ8 of 29

was king

H4428

a king

אַתָּ֛ה9 of 29
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַמּוֹצִ֥יא10 of 29

thou wast he that leddest out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְהַמֵּבִ֖יא11 of 29

and broughtest in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת12 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 29

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֹּאמֶר֩14 of 29

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֨ה15 of 29

and the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ16 of 29

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְךָ֗17 of 29
H0
אַתָּ֨ה18 of 29
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִרְעֶ֤ה19 of 29

unto thee Thou shalt feed

H7462

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

אֶת20 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֥י21 of 29

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת22 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃23 of 29

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאַתָּה֙24 of 29
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה25 of 29
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נָגִ֔יד26 of 29

and thou shalt be ruler

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

עַ֖ל27 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמִּ֥י28 of 29

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃29 of 29

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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