Semeis, also known as Shimei, is a biblical figure prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative surrounding King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Semeis was a member of the tribe of Benjamin and a relative of King Saul, Israel's first king. His interactions with King David provide insight into the political and personal tensions during David's reign.

Biblical Narrative

Semeis first appears in the biblical account during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. As David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, Semeis came out to curse him. The account in 2 Samuel 16:5-8 describes how Semeis, from the town of Bahurim, threw stones at David and his servants, shouting, "Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed!" Semeis accused David of being responsible for the bloodshed in Saul's house and claimed that the LORD was repaying David for his actions by allowing Absalom to seize the throne.

David's response to Semeis' cursing is notable for its restraint. Despite the provocation, David forbade his men from retaliating against Semeis, suggesting that the LORD might have instructed Semeis to curse him. David expressed hope that the LORD would see his distress and repay him with good for the curses he received (2 Samuel 16:11-12).

After Absalom's Rebellion

Following Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Semeis was among those who came to meet the king at the Jordan River. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23 , Semeis fell before David and pleaded for forgiveness, acknowledging his wrongdoing. David, demonstrating clemency, swore an oath that Semeis would not be put to death.

Later Years and Death

Semeis' account concludes during the reign of Solomon, David's son and successor. Before his death, David instructed Solomon to deal wisely with Semeis, reminding him of the curses Semeis had uttered. In 1 Kings 2:8-9 , David advised Solomon not to let Semeis go unpunished, though he had spared him initially.

Solomon placed Semeis under house arrest in Jerusalem, warning him that leaving the city would result in his death. However, after three years, Semeis violated this condition by traveling to Gath to retrieve runaway servants. Upon his return, Solomon summoned Semeis and reminded him of the oath he had broken. Consequently, Solomon ordered Semeis' execution, fulfilling David's earlier counsel (1 Kings 2:36-46).

Theological and Moral Reflections

Semeis' interactions with David and Solomon highlight themes of justice, mercy, and the consequences of one's actions. David's initial mercy towards Semeis reflects a broader biblical principle of leaving vengeance to the LORD, as seen in Romans 12:19. However, Semeis' eventual fate under Solomon underscores the importance of obedience and the fulfillment of one's oaths. His account serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the divine justice that ultimately prevails.SEMEIS

sem'-e-is (Codex Alexandrinus and Fritzsche, Semeis; Codex Vaticanus Senseis; the King James Version, Semis): One of the Levites who put away their "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:23) = "Shimei" in Ezra 10:23.

Semeis
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEMEIS. sem'-e-is (Codex Alexandrinus and
Fritzsche, Semeis; Codex Vaticanus Senseis; the King James ...
/s/semeis.htm - 6k

Semellius

/s/semellius.htm - 6k

Sem'e-in (1 Occurrence)
Sem'e-in. Semein, Sem'e-in. Semeis . Multi-Version Concordance Sem'e-in
(1 Occurrence). ... Semein, Sem'e-in. Semeis . Reference Bible.
/s/sem'e-in.htm - 6k

Semis
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEMIS. se'-mis: the King James Version = the
Revised Version (British and American) SEMEIS (which see). ...
/s/semis.htm - 6k

Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 31:11, 12). (f) A Levite who under Ezra put away his foreign wife
(Ezra 10:23), "Semeis" in 1 Esdras 9:23. (2) The best-known ...
/s/shimei.htm - 30k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus