¹⁶ “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things,^(A) appoint someone over this community

¹⁷ to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”^(A)

⁵ Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful^(A) that Saul gave him a high rank in the army.^(B) This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

² In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns.^(A) And the Lord said^(B) to you, ‘You will shepherd^(C) my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.^(D)’”

⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child^(A) and do not know how to carry out my duties.