2 Samuel 5:2 net — In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my peo…

NET Bible

"In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.’”"

— 2 Samuel 5:2, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

2 Samuel 5:2 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

2 Samuel 5 — Context

1

David Is Anointed King Over Israel All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron saying,“Look, we are your very flesh and blood!

2

In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.’”

3

When all the leaders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, King David made an agreement with them in Hebron before the LORD. They designated David as king over Israel.

4

David was thirty years old when he began to reign and he reigned for forty years.

5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 5:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 5:2 say?
2 Samuel 5:2 in the NET Bible reads: “In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.’””
Where is 2 Samuel 5:2 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 5:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 5, verse 2.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 5:2.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 5:2 in?
2 Samuel 5:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 5:2?
2 Samuel 5:2 reads (NET): “In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you,‘You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.’”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2