Shimi
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Introduction:
Shimei, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is a biblical figure known for his interactions with King David during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Shimei's actions and their consequences provide insight into themes of loyalty, repentance, and justice.

Biblical Account:
Shimei first appears in the narrative during King David's flight from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. As David and his entourage passed through Bahurim, Shimei, a relative of Saul, came out cursing and throwing stones at David and his servants. He accused David of being a "man of blood" and claimed that the LORD was avenging the blood of Saul's house on David (2 Samuel 16:5-8). Despite the provocations, David restrained his men from retaliating, suggesting that the LORD might have sent Shimei to curse him (2 Samuel 16:10-12).

After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shimei was among those who met the king at the Jordan River to seek forgiveness. He fell before David and confessed his sin, pleading for mercy (2 Samuel 19:18-20). David, demonstrating clemency, swore an oath that Shimei would not be put to death (2 Samuel 19:23).

Later Developments:
Shimei's account continues in the early reign of Solomon. Before his death, David instructed Solomon to deal wisely with Shimei, reminding him of Shimei's past actions (1 Kings 2:8-9). Solomon initially spared Shimei's life, placing him under house arrest in Jerusalem and warning him that leaving the city would result in death (1 Kings 2:36-38).

However, after three years, Shimei violated the terms of his confinement by traveling to Gath to retrieve runaway servants. Upon his return, Solomon confronted Shimei about his disobedience and ordered his execution, fulfilling David's earlier charge (1 Kings 2:39-46).

Theological Themes:
Shimei's narrative highlights several key themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Justice: Shimei's cursing of David is portrayed as potentially divinely ordained, reflecting the belief in God's sovereignty over human affairs. David's response to Shimei's actions underscores a trust in divine justice rather than personal vengeance.

2. Repentance and Mercy: Shimei's plea for forgiveness and David's merciful response illustrate the biblical principles of repentance and grace. David's decision to spare Shimei initially demonstrates a king's capacity for mercy, even towards those who wrong him.

3. Consequences of Disobedience: Shimei's eventual execution under Solomon's rule serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to one's commitments. Solomon's actions, while severe, are depicted as a fulfillment of justice and a consolidation of his authority as king.

Conclusion:
Shimei's account is a complex narrative that weaves together themes of loyalty, repentance, and divine justice. His interactions with David and Solomon provide a rich tapestry for understanding the dynamics of forgiveness, authority, and the consequences of one's actions within the biblical context.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Shimi

= SHIMEI, 1. (Exodus 6:17)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHIMI, SHIMITES

shim'-i, shi'-mi, shim'-its.

See SHIMEI.

Greek
4584. Semein -- Semein, an Israelite
... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Shimi Definition Semein, an Isr. NASB Word Usage Semein
(1). ... Of Hebrew origin (Shim'iy); Semei (ie Shimi), an Israelite -- Semei. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4584.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
8097. Shimi -- descendant of Shimei
... Shimi. 8098 . descendant of Shimei. Transliteration: Shimi Phonetic Spelling:
(shim-ee') Short Definition: Shimeites. Word Origin from Shimi Definition desc. ...
/hebrew/8097.htm - 6k

8096. Shimi -- the name of a number of Isr.
... 8095, 8096. Shimi. 8097 . the name of a number of Isr. Transliteration:
Shimi Phonetic Spelling: (shim-ee') Short Definition: Shimei. ...
/hebrew/8096.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Shimi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMI, SHIMITES. ...Shimi (1 Occurrence). Exodus
6:17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. ...
/s/shimi.htm - 6k

Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Famous. (1.) A son of Gershon, and grandson of Levi (Numbers
3:18; 1 Chronicles 6:17, 29); called Shimi in Exodus 6:17. ...
/s/shimei.htm - 30k

Shimhi (1 Occurrence)

/s/shimhi.htm - 7k

Shimites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIMI, SHIMITES. shim'-i, shi'-mi, shim'-its.
See SHIMEI. Multi-Version Concordance Shimites (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shimites.htm - 6k

Shimite (1 Occurrence)

/s/shimite.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Shimi (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 6:17
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Shimi

Related Terms

Shimites (1 Occurrence)

Shimi (1 Occurrence)

Shimhi: Father of a Family in the Tribe of Benjamin (In RV , Called Shimei)
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