Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Sought by Shimei

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of a servant or bondservant is deeply rooted in the socio-cultural and religious contexts of ancient Israel. The term "servant" often denotes a person who is in service to another, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and can encompass a range of roles from household servants to those in servitude due to debt or conquest.

The account of Shimei seeking his servants is found in the context of the reign of King Solomon, specifically in 1 Kings 2. Shimei, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is most notably remembered for cursing King David during Absalom's rebellion. After David's return to power, Shimei sought forgiveness and was spared, though he was placed under certain restrictions by Solomon, David's successor.

Biblical Account:

In 1 Kings 2:36-46, Solomon commands Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem and live there, warning him that if he ever leaves the city, he would be put to death. This command was a test of Shimei's loyalty and obedience to the king's authority. The narrative continues:

"Three years later, two of Shimei’s servants ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, 'Look, your servants are in Gath.' So Shimei saddled his donkey and went to Achish at Gath to look for his servants. And he brought them back from Gath." (1 Kings 2:39-40)

Shimei's actions in seeking his servants demonstrate the importance of servants in the ancient Near Eastern household economy. Servants were integral to the functioning of a household, and their absence could significantly disrupt daily operations. Shimei's decision to pursue his servants, despite the risk of violating Solomon's command, underscores the value placed on maintaining one's household and the lengths to which individuals would go to retrieve those in servitude to them.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Shimei and his servants highlights themes of obedience, authority, and the consequences of one's actions. Shimei's disregard for Solomon's command ultimately leads to his downfall, as Solomon enforces the penalty for his disobedience. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to divine and kingly authority, reflecting the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and rebellion.

Furthermore, the account illustrates the complex relationships between masters and servants in biblical times. While servants were considered property and were expected to fulfill their duties, there was also an expectation of care and responsibility on the part of the master. Shimei's pursuit of his servants indicates a recognition of this responsibility, albeit one that ultimately leads to his own demise due to his failure to prioritize obedience to the king's decree.

In summary, the account of Shimei seeking his servants provides insight into the social dynamics of servitude in ancient Israel and serves as a narrative vehicle for exploring themes of authority, obedience, and the moral responsibilities inherent in the master-servant relationship.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:39-41
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants be in Gath.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... us wisdom and righteousness, [247]24; the bond of union ... for his people, [449]354;
bore with Shimei's curses, [450 ... Jacob, sought not his own, [904]147; poor and ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... dwelleth in Him, [973]285; blotted out the bond that was ... 1441]209; does not mean
"work" of a servant, but real ... made a, [1472]337; not to be sought from loss of ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... pray thee let me live." Though Benhadad had sought the crown ... lame, for that was his
plea""thy servant is lame ... filth, is heavy; it is a wretched bond about thy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... TOGETHER, WITH A DISCOURSE OF THE LAST JUDGMENT, AND THE FINAL CONCLUSION OF THE
WHOLE WORLD. BY JOHN BUNYAN, A SERVANT OF THE LORD'S CHRIST. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Two tribes having been thus provided for, the bulk of the Israelites sought to cross
the Jordan without further ... The name Ebed ("slave," "servant") is assumed ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... by the text, is released; also the bond and release ... as the former, to wit, as the
slothful servant, to receive a ... because they sought it not by faith, but as it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm