Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Shimei Curses Him

◄ David: King of Israel: Shimei Curses Him ►

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Background Context

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his complex character and deep relationship with God. His reign was marked by both triumphs and trials, including the rebellion of his son Absalom. During Absalom's revolt, David experienced a significant moment of humiliation and testing when Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, cursed him.

The Incident

The account of Shimei cursing David is found in 2 Samuel 16:5-13. As David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, he encountered Shimei, a man from the clan of Saul's family, in Bahurim. Shimei, harboring resentment over the downfall of Saul's dynasty, took this opportunity to express his animosity towards David.

Scriptural Account

According to the Berean Standard Bible, the narrative unfolds as follows:

"When King David reached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David, and though all the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left, Shimei said as he cursed: 'Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. And the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!'" (2 Samuel 16:5-8).

David's Response

Despite the provocation, David's response was marked by humility and restraint. Abishai, one of David's warriors, offered to kill Shimei for his insolence, but David refused, recognizing the possibility that the LORD had allowed Shimei to curse him. David said, "Leave him alone; let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today" (2 Samuel 16:11-12).

Theological Implications

David's reaction to Shimei's cursing reflects his deep trust in God's sovereignty and justice. Rather than seeking immediate retribution, David chose to endure the humiliation, hoping that God would ultimately vindicate him. This episode highlights David's understanding of his own sinfulness and the consequences of his actions, particularly in light of his past transgressions, such as the incident with Bathsheba and Uriah.

Later Developments

The account of Shimei does not end with this encounter. After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shimei approached David, seeking forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23, Shimei fell at David's feet and pleaded for mercy. David, demonstrating magnanimity and a desire for reconciliation, spared Shimei's life, swearing an oath that he would not be put to death.

However, the issue of Shimei's loyalty and actions lingered. On his deathbed, David instructed his son Solomon to deal with Shimei wisely, which eventually led to Shimei's execution for breaking an oath during Solomon's reign (1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46).

Conclusion

The episode of Shimei cursing David serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of leadership, the consequences of sin, and the importance of trusting in God's ultimate justice. David's response exemplifies humility and reliance on divine providence, qualities that are integral to his legacy as a man after God's own heart.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 16:1
And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before ... what Solomon says of the heart
of a king, that it is ... Thus David left the camp of Saul while none knew of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... For the same reason, David, considering the various turns which human life undergoes
as it rolls, and in a ... Hence Rezin and the king of Israel, after they ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Of Civil Government.
... When Samuel declared to the people of Israel what they would suffer from their kings,
he said, "This will be the ... Thus David, when already king elect by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... he had a secret
errand to the king, who thereupon ... to the Lord, the God of Israel."* The poet ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Concerning Persecution
... wilt thou restore the kingdom again to Israel?' (Acts 1 ... It may be compared to the
tower of David on which ... before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... of a lion; where the word of a king is, there ... of God; but, on the other side, David
saith, "Concerning ... oftentimes took hold of the children of Israel when they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... It was a wrong sentence past upon David; Shimei called him ... of Saul, when that present
evil overtook David for quite ... him as an enemy to the person of the king? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm