Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”
Here is, I. The humble address of all the tribes to David, beseeching him to take upon him the government (for they were now as sheep having no shepherd), and owning him for their king. Though David might by no means approve the murder of Ish-bosheth, yet he might improve the advantages he gained thereby, and accept the applications made to him thereupon.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 5:1-5
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us,.... Even over all the tribes of Israel: thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel; that led out the armies of Israel against their enemies, fought their battles for them, obtained victories, and brought the troops under his command home in safety; and the remembrance of these valiant acts of his, which then...
2Sa 5:1-2 David Anointed King over all Israel. - 2Sa 5:1-3 (compare with this the parallel passages in 1Ch 11:1-3). After the death of Ishbosheth, all the tribes of Israel (except Judah) came to Hebron in the persons of their representatives the elders (vid., 2Sa 5:3), in response to the summons of Abner (2Sa 3:17-19), to do homage to David as their king.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 5:1-2