Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Semei, also known as Shimei, is a biblical figure from the Old Testament, primarily mentioned in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. He is a member of the tribe of Benjamin and is most notably recognized for his interactions with King David during a tumultuous period in David's reign. Biblical References: Semei's account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 16:5-13 and 1 Kings 2:8-46. His actions and their consequences provide insight into themes of loyalty, repentance, and justice within the biblical narrative. Background and Actions: Semei is introduced during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, against King David. As David flees Jerusalem, Semei, a relative of Saul, the former king, comes out to curse David. In 2 Samuel 16:5-8 , it is recorded: "As King David approached 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 shouting out curses. He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David, and all the people and mighty men were on David’s right and left. And Shimei said as he cursed, 'Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, you wicked man!'" Semei accuses David of being responsible for the bloodshed in Saul's house and claims that the LORD is avenging Saul's blood by allowing Absalom to usurp the throne. Despite the provocations, David restrains his men from retaliating against Semei, suggesting that the LORD might have instructed Semei to curse him (2 Samuel 16:10-11). Repentance and Pardon: After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Semei is among those who come to seek the king's forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23 , Semei falls before David and pleads for mercy, acknowledging his wrongdoing. David, demonstrating clemency, swears an oath not to put Semei to death: "Then the king said to Shimei, 'You shall not die.' And the king swore an oath to him." Final Judgment: Despite David's initial pardon, Semei's fate is revisited during the reign of Solomon, David's son. In 1 Kings 2:8-9 , David instructs Solomon to deal wisely with Semei, reminding him of Semei's past actions. Solomon places Semei under house arrest in Jerusalem, warning him that leaving the city would result in death (1 Kings 2:36-37). Semei initially complies but later violates the terms by leaving to retrieve runaway servants. Upon his return, Solomon confronts Semei and orders his execution, fulfilling David's earlier instructions (1 Kings 2:44-46). Theological Significance: Semei's account highlights the themes of justice, mercy, and the consequences of one's actions. His initial cursing of David represents the deep-seated animosities and political tensions of the time. David's restraint and later pardon of Semei illustrate the king's capacity for mercy and his reliance on divine justice. However, Semei's ultimate fate under Solomon underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and justice, though delayed, is eventually served. Conclusion: Semei's narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the interplay of divine providence and justice in the biblical account. His interactions with David and Solomon reflect the broader themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of divine justice within the scriptural tradition. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SemeiSmith's Bible Dictionary Semei(the Greek form of Shimei).
Easton's Bible Dictionary Mentioned in the genealogy of our Lord (Luke 3:26). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEMEIsem'-e-i: Greek 4584. Semein -- Semein, an Israelite ... NASB Word Usage Semein (1). Semei. Of Hebrew origin (Shim'iy); Semei (ie Shimi), an Israelite -- Semei. see HEBREW Shim'iy. (semein) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4584.htm - 6k Library Appendix (E). The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance. The New Commandment the New Commandment Thesaurus Semei (1 Occurrence)... Mentioned in the genealogy of our Lord (Luke 3:26). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SEMEI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Semei (1 Occurrence). ... /s/semei.htm - 7k Semeias Semein (1 Occurrence) Shimei (43 Occurrences) Naggai (2 Occurrences) Mattathi'as (2 Occurrences) Mattathias (2 Occurrences) Semblance (4 Occurrences) Sem'e-in (1 Occurrence) Sheshai (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Semei (1 Occurrence)Luke 3:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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