Background:
Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent figure in the military exploits of King David. He was the brother of Joab, the commander of David's army, and Asahel, who was killed by Abner. Abishai is noted for his loyalty to David and his prowess in battle. His actions are recorded in several instances throughout the books of Samuel and Chronicles.

Incident with Shimei:
The incident involving Abishai and Shimei occurs during a tumultuous period in King David's reign. Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, cursed David as he fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. Shimei threw stones and dust at David and his servants, accusing him of being a "man of blood" and attributing the downfall of Saul's house to David's actions.

Abishai's Reaction:
Abishai, witnessing Shimei's disrespect and hostility towards the king, sought to defend David's honor. He proposed to execute Shimei for his insolence. The account is found in 2 Samuel 16:9 : "Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!'"

David's Response:
Despite Abishai's eagerness to punish Shimei, David chose a path of restraint and mercy. He rebuked Abishai and the other sons of Zeruiah, emphasizing that Shimei's actions might have been allowed by the LORD. David's response is recorded in 2 Samuel 16:10-11 : "But the king replied, 'What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD told him, "Curse David," who can ask, "Why did you do this?"' Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, 'Look, my own son, who came from my own body, seeks my life. How much more now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him so.'"

Later Developments:
After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shimei approached David to seek forgiveness. Abishai once again suggested that Shimei be put to death for his previous actions. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 19:21 : "But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, 'Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD's anointed!'"

David's Clemency:
David, however, chose to extend clemency to Shimei, swearing an oath that he would not be put to death. David's decision is captured in 2 Samuel 19:23 : "So the king said to Shimei, 'You shall not die.' And the king swore an oath to him."

Significance:
Abishai's repeated desire to execute Shimei highlights his zealous loyalty to David and his intolerance for any affront to the king's dignity. His actions reflect the broader theme of justice and mercy in David's reign, as well as the tension between personal loyalty and the king's broader vision of leadership and forgiveness.2 Samuel 16:9
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?
Nave's Topical Index

Instances from the Life of the Blessed David in which Anger was ...
... at King David and cursed him, in his hearing, before everybody, and Abishai, the
son of ... Behold my son, who came forth from my loins, seeks my life, and how ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii instances from the.htm

Christian Meekness
... Blessed is he that seeks a revenge upon his lusts. ... If we do not imitate his life,
we cannot be ... When Shimei cursed David, and Abishai, one of David's lifeguard ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... his malicious adversary.-An allusion to Abishai and Shimei ... he brought them news of
eternal life, as freely ... for pardon, while Satan, by accusing, seeks to pull ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... This little work soon became most deservedly popular, passing through four large
editions during the last seven years of the author's life. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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