Men Who “Went Out and Came in Before the People”

Knowing, walking along side and battling with men who “went out and came in before the people” is a REALLY BIG DEAL, as seen in the book of Acts (1:21) and several other narratives.

In the Bible, the specific phrase "went out and came in before the people" (or "before them") is primarily used to describe David. This expression is a Hebrew idiom that typically refers to a leader's role in conducting daily business or, more specifically, leading troops into battle and returning safely. 

While the exact phrasing is most famously applied to David, the concept of a leader who can "go out and come in" before the congregation is a recurring theme for several Biblical instances.

I have wondered about the phrase "to go out and come in before the people." I was able to dig-up some cool learning, and even RIGHT NOW, the details I am STILL working to understand is, that it is/was a powerful saying/expression (idiom) used in Scripture that directly links godly character and integrity to the responsibilities of leadership.

NOTE: There were a few men that phrase was connected to.

One of the things I have come to see and understand is, it is not just about physical movement but about a leader’s transparency and active presence among those they serve.

I desire to be a man such as that. …always have. 

One of the characteristics connected to "went out and came in before the people" is directly attached to the Hebraic idiom for “active and visible leadership.”

In all of the readings I’ve found, the phrase “went in and out” doesn’t just belong to the meaning of straightforward change. It is a VERY old expression meaning a “leader” was present, active, and engagedamong the people. Hmm…? I wonder if this means that such a person MUST be living life with people (sheep) and not ruling from a distance. Yes, of course it does.

NOTE: This is a life that is on full display – both public and private (if sin was evident, it will be seen and known).

Another curious thing concerning “went in and out” is, it reflects the model of the shepherd‑leader. …of course, this speaks to David as a boy and most of his life as a man.

Like a shepherd who leads sheep out to pasture and back in to safety, a true leader stays with his people in every circumstance. Jesus exemplified this absolutely.

Probably the most troublesome point and question marks about a man who “went in and out” emphasizes his transparency, being there, and integrity. Why do many of us run from that word (way of life)?

What do you think?

• Does a leader who “goes out and comes in” have to be consistently present?

• Must a leader who “goes out and comes in” be the same in private as in public?

• Will a leader who “goes out and comes in” want to be fully accountable to the people and to Yeshua?

Just a few sentences ago, I mentioned that “David was the main human example in the Bible, the specific phrase ‘went out and came in before the people’” (or "before them") is mainly referencing.

Even before he was unifying the Nation of Israel under himself, as a young boy, this was said about him. When he was in Saul’s army, this was attached to the strength of his role. Once more, this was a dutiful reference to a leader's role in conducting daily business or, more specifically, leading troops into battle and returning safely.

While the exact phrasing is most famously applied to David, the concept of a leader who can "go out and come in" before the congregation is a recurring theme for several Biblical figures. I was able to locate some stellar fellas, and a Scripture or two to provide the location for the depiction. Let’s go!

We MUST begin with David though.

David: 1 Samuel 18:13 and 1 Samuel 18:16 explicitly state that "all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them". This reflected consistently visible act directly impacted his public leadership and military success after Saul appointed him as a commander.

Moses: In Deuteronomy 31:2, as he prepared to pass leadership to Joshua (per GOD’s Commanded Instruction—not passing batons in family church or religious business and favors of hierarchy), Moses told the people, "I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in."

…a THOUGHT: If I was to live a life of clarity and high character that shows everyone that I “went in and out among the people" what would that look like? I trust that it means embodying the same qualities that this phrase describes in Scripture—visible integrity, active presence, and consistent character.

Men, you and I MUST live publicly with consistency (no double life).

• Our character stays the same whether people are watching or not.

• We must treat our family, coworkers, strangers, and congregation attendees with the same honesty and respect.

• We MUST avoid hidden compromises that would damage trust if (once) revealed.

Men, you and I are expected to be present, approachable, and involved.

• We must be available, not isolated (untouchable) or distant.

• We MUST be seeking to hear as the Spirit of GOD shares, and seek to listen intently to people’s needs, concerns, and portions of their lives.

• We MUST be someone people feel safe approaching.

Does that position have to be about control, popularity and power? Don’t forget, proximity (your nearness and availability), has a LOT to do with it.

How many fellas do you know who leads like a boss and not a shepherd?

My life (…and yours) should be describing the shepherd imagery of one that “goes out” before the people and “comes in” with them again. Here are some NO-NOs I have been a part of and seen.

• Don’t send others to do what you’re unwilling to do. The purpose and goal are guidance with, not governance over.

• Make certain to model service, humility, and courage.

• Be willing to share hardships rather than avoiding them.

Do you like having clarity? Good. Provide it as well, with no hidden agendas. People should always know what they’re getting from us. Are you the type of man who says what you mean with kindness and truth? Are you a manipulator? Do you shade the truth, or speak in ways that confuse folks deliberately?

NOTE: People trust our words because they match our actions. Yes, they should exemplify the Ways of the Holy and set apart GOD.

Here is a tuffy. Do YOU walk with integrity under pressure? What aboutcutting corners— when others do?

NOTE: We must own up to our mistakes with humility; and stay faithful to GOD’s Ways even when it costs us.

Okay now… That was a bit difficult writing about the man of GOD I desire to be and live like. Straight talk. No junk and no mess.

Here are some additional men of Scripture who always lived with a high bar of godly standard and expectation around people.

Joshua: Moses specifically prayed for a successor (Joshua) who "may go out before them, and which may go in before them... that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd" –Numbers 27:17

Solomon lived well for a few years, until arrogance and disobedience took hold of him: Upon becoming king, Solomon humbly prayed to GOD in 1 Kings 3:7, saying, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in." He was expressing his need for GOD’s Wisdom to lead the people. We do as well.

Jesus and His Disciples: In Acts 1:21 a reference to the time "the Yeshua, our ADONAI, went in and out among us."


NOTE: Here is something of NOTE about all the men I listed above, EACH of them were SUBMITTED to the leadership, authority and spirit of ADONAI their ELOHIM (LORD GOD).They were NOT chasing after their own name and trying to build their own fame.

All the qualities I mentioned in this letter are essential because the community you are involved with and attend’s survival depends on trustworthy and sacrificial leaders (men).

You say… “That was then. This is now. We don’t need that. We live under a New Covenant. Jesus did away with the O.T.”  It is very likely that someone is thinking that right now. …the stuff we say and believe. To that, I will ask... WHAT?!

Why it matters now. Why do the people need men who will “goout before them, and may go in before them?” Have you not been outside?

Even though our context has changed, I see the underlying Biblical pattern as timeless. People will always thrive under leaders whose lives are visible, consistent, and trustworthy.

People (often) follow what they see, not (so much) what they’re told.

This is one of the discussions we had during the 2026 Integrity Gathering: “Walking = the external expression of an internal covenant.” Today, people (as am I) are still looking for visible integrity, consistent character and leaders who model what they preach and share. Real authenticity builds trust!

To “go in and out among the people” today means living transparently so that your character can be tested, observed, and confirmed—just as it was for David and Jesus.

Today, the same model remains essential: A man whose life is lived with reliability, existence, clearness, and stability earns trust and brings stability and spiritual direction to those around him.