Thou wast our chief commander in our expeditions against the Philistines, and therefore art most fit to be king over us. The Lord said to thee, to wit, by Samuel, 1 Samuel 16:11-13; for though the words vary, yet the sense is the same. Thou shalt feed my people Israel i.e. rule them, and take care of them, as a shepherd doth of his sheep, Psalms 78:70,71. This expression he useth to admonish David, that he was not made a king to advance his own glory and interest, but for the good and benefit of his people; and that he ought to rule them with all tenderness, and to watch over them with all diligence.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 5:2
2 Samuel 5:2
2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.