Topical Encyclopedia Shim'e-i is a biblical figure prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives surrounding King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Shim'e-i, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is most notably recognized for his interactions with King David during a tumultuous period in the monarch's reign.Background and Family Shim'e-i was the son of Gera, a Benjamite from the town of Bahurim. The tribe of Benjamin held historical significance as the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul. This connection is crucial in understanding Shim'e-i's actions and attitudes towards David, who succeeded Saul as king. Encounter with King David Shim'e-i's most famous encounter with David occurs during the king's flight from Jerusalem amid Absalom's rebellion. As David and his entourage passed through Bahurim, Shim'e-i came out cursing and throwing stones at David and his servants. He accused David of being a "man of blood" and attributed the downfall of Saul's house to David's actions. Shim'e-i's words are recorded in 2 Samuel 16:7-8 : "Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, you wicked man! 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!" Despite the provocation, David chose to show restraint, instructing his men not to retaliate against Shim'e-i. David's response is seen as an act of humility and trust in God's justice, as he remarked in 2 Samuel 16:11-12 : "Leave him alone; let him curse, 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." After Absalom's Defeat Following Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shim'e-i was among those who came to seek the king's forgiveness. He hurried to meet David at the Jordan River, confessing his sin and pleading for mercy. In 2 Samuel 19:19-20 , Shim'e-i implores, "May my lord not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart." David, demonstrating clemency, swore an oath not to put Shim'e-i to death, thus sparing his life. This act of mercy is indicative of David's character and his desire to unify the kingdom after the civil strife. Final Days and Death Shim'e-i's account concludes during the reign of Solomon, David's son and successor. Before his death, David instructed Solomon to deal wisely with Shim'e-i, acknowledging the potential threat he posed due to his past actions. Solomon initially placed Shim'e-i under house arrest in Jerusalem, warning him not to leave the city. However, when Shim'e-i violated this condition by traveling to Gath, Solomon ordered his execution, fulfilling David's earlier counsel. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 2:44-46 : "The king also said to Shim'e-i, 'You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore, the LORD has brought your evil back upon your head. But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.' Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck down Shim'e-i, and he died." Shim'e-i's life serves as a complex narrative of loyalty, rebellion, and the consequences of one's actions. His interactions with David and Solomon highlight themes of justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy within the biblical text. Concordance Shim'e-i's (1 Occurrence)1 Kings 2:39 Thesaurus Shim'ei's (1 Occurrence)Shim'ei's. Shimei's, Shim'ei's. Shimeites . Multi-Version Concordance Shim'ei's (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 2:39 And it came to pass ... /s/shim'e-i's.htm - 6k Shimeites (2 Occurrences) Shimei's (1 Occurrence) Resources Who are the various Herods mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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