1 Chronicles 5:2

Judah prevailed. See Gen. 49:8-12 for the special blessings pronounced upon Judah. Although Joseph received a double portion, the chief blessings among the sons of Jacob went to Judah.

Chief ruler. This refers to the royal line of David (see 1 Sam. 13:14; Micah 5:2).

That leddest out. See 1 Sam. 18:16. The people were not selecting their new leader blindly. Even while Saul was king the outstanding ability of David as a leader had manifested itself. The people had confidence in his prowess and sagacity.

The Lord said to thee. The main reason David should be king was that the Lord had chosen him for that position. Why the elders mentioned this point last is not revealed. With such a general confidence in the valiant and virtuous son of Jesse, with the house of Saul having practically come to an end, and with the divine will having so clearly manifested itself in behalf of David, it was obviously to the best interests of the people to unite under his leadership.

Thou shalt feed. Literally, “thou shalt pasture,” from the Heb. ra‘ah, “to pasture.”

The participle of this verb is translated “shepherd” in the OT (see Num. 27:17; Ps. 23:1; etc.). David was to be a shepherd over Israel, a significant figure for one who through experience was acquainted with the multiplied and comprehensive duties of such a vocation. The word “pastor” in the KJV (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; etc.) is a translation of this same Hebrew word. The single occurrence of “pastor” in the NT (Eph. 4:11) is the translation of the Greek word for “shepherd.”

Captain. Literally, “ruler,” “prince.”