2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel, 1 Samuel 18:13, he had been the most trusted leader in their military campaigns; and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed My people Israel, like a shepherd taking the most tender care of the sheep entrusted to him, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel, their prince in defending them from their enemies. This was the last and strongest ground for their proposal, the Lord's immediate call, as based upon the word of God to Samuel, 1 Samuel 15:28; for the prophets of Naioth in Ramah undoubtedly made this fact known. Note that the king's function as shepherd of the people is mentioned first, a hint for the rulers of all times.