What can we learn about humility from Shimei's actions in 2 Samuel 19:19? Setting the Scene After David’s victory over Absalom, he begins the journey back to Jerusalem. One of the first to meet him at the Jordan is Shimei— the man who had previously cursed and pelted David with stones (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Now, with the tables turned, Shimei races to plead for mercy. Shimei’s Words of Humility “and he said to the king, ‘My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart.’” (2 Samuel 19:19) What Genuine Humility Looks Like • No Excuses ‑ Shimei does not blame circumstances or others; he owns his sin. ‑ Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • Immediate Action ‑ He runs ahead of Benjamin’s delegation (v.16) to be first in line to repent. ‑ Psalm 119:60: “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” • Personal Responsibility ‑ He calls himself “your servant,” acknowledging David’s rightful authority. ‑ James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • Appeal to Mercy, Not Merit ‑ Shimei doesn’t list good deeds; he pleads for grace alone. ‑ Luke 18:13: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” • Public Repentance ‑ His confession happens before “a thousand men of Benjamin” (v.17). ‑ 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Contrasts to Proud or Superficial Apologies - No demand for conditions or negotiation. - No self-justification: “I was upset,” “Everyone else was doing it.” - No private whisper—he chooses visible, costly humility. David’s Merciful Response (v.23) The king swears an oath that Shimei will not die, illustrating Proverbs 22:4 in action: “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Run quickly to confess sin; delayed repentance hardens the heart. • Own wrongdoing without excuses—true humility invites divine grace (James 4:6). • Approach God and others on the basis of mercy, not personal righteousness (Titus 3:5). • Public sin may call for public repentance; humility often requires visible steps. • Those who humble themselves position themselves to receive forgiveness and restoration— just as Shimei experienced under David, and as we do under Christ. |
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