What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 19:19? My lord, do not hold me guilty Shimei meets David at the Jordan as the king is returning to Jerusalem. His opening plea recognizes that guilt is real and justice is deserved, yet he appeals to David’s mercy. • Shimei’s words echo the contrite spirit of Psalm 51:1–4, where David himself pleaded, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion.” • The principle runs through all of Scripture: acknowledgment of sin opens the door to forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Luke 18:13–14). • David, a king after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), is now positioned to reflect God’s character by showing grace to a repentant offender. and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing Shimei’s second request presses further: he desires that his offense be wiped from the royal record. • Psalm 103:12 assures believers that God removes sin “as far as the east is from the west.” • Isaiah 43:25 presents the Lord promising, “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.” • By asking David to forget his wrongdoing, Shimei illustrates the kind of forgiveness that mirrors God’s own: not merely withholding punishment, but choosing not to dwell on the offense (Micah 7:18–19). on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem Shimei pinpoints the occasion of his sin, the day David fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14). • During that chaotic departure he cursed and threw stones at the king (2 Samuel 16:5–8), actions worthy of death under the law (Exodus 22:28). • Naming the specific day underscores genuine repentance; true confession does not gloss over details (Joshua 7:19–20; Proverbs 28:13). • It also sets the stage for David’s return, a moment of potential judgment that becomes instead an opportunity for grace. May the king not take it to heart Shimei’s final appeal is for David to release any lingering resentment. • Proverbs 19:11 commends overlooking an offense; Ephesians 4:32 urges believers to be “kind and compassionate… forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • David’s later response—swearing an oath not to put Shimei to death that day (2 Samuel 19:23)—displays the godly quality of mercy triumphing over judgment (James 2:13). • This scene foreshadows the greater King, Jesus, who forgave even from the cross (Luke 23:34) and calls His followers to the same heart posture (Matthew 18:21–22). summary 2 Samuel 19:19 captures a repentant man’s four–fold plea: admit guilt, ask for forgotten sin, identify the offense, and hope the king’s heart will choose mercy. Shimei’s words highlight the biblical pattern of confession and forgiveness, while David’s gracious reception anticipates the perfect forgiveness offered by Christ. |
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