The term "Shimite" refers to a descendant or member of the family line of Shimei, a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, associated with different individuals. The most notable Shimei is the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who is prominently featured in the narrative of King David's reign.

Shimei, Son of Gera

Shimei, the son of Gera, is introduced in the context of King David's flight from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. As David and his men passed through Bahurim, Shimei 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 the first to meet the king at the Jordan River, seeking forgiveness for his earlier actions. He pleaded for mercy, acknowledging his wrongdoing (2 Samuel 19:18-20). David swore an oath not to put Shimei to death at that time (2 Samuel 19:23).

However, as David's life drew to a close, he instructed his son Solomon to deal wisely with Shimei, reminding Solomon of Shimei's past actions and suggesting that he should not let Shimei go unpunished (1 Kings 2:8-9). Solomon initially showed leniency, confining Shimei to Jerusalem and warning him that leaving the city would result in death (1 Kings 2:36-37). When Shimei later violated this condition by traveling to Gath, Solomon ordered his execution (1 Kings 2:41-46).

Other References to Shimei

The name Shimei appears in other contexts within the Bible, often referring to different individuals:

1. Shimei, the Levite: In 1 Chronicles 6:17, Shimei is listed as a Levite, a descendant of Gershon, and part of the genealogical records of the Levites.

2. Shimei, the Son of Elizaphan: In 1 Chronicles 15:8, Shimei is mentioned as one of the leaders appointed by David to help bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

3. Shimei, the Brother of David: In 1 Chronicles 2:13, Shimei is listed as one of David's brothers, though this reference is less prominent in the biblical narrative.

4. Shimei, the Benjamite: In 1 Chronicles 8:21, Shimei is noted as a Benjamite, part of the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin.

Theological Significance

The account of Shimei, son of Gera, highlights themes of mercy, justice, and divine sovereignty. David's initial restraint and later instructions to Solomon reflect the tension between personal forgiveness and the demands of justice. Shimei's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of cursing God's anointed and the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness. Solomon's eventual judgment on Shimei underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and divine justice will ultimately prevail.8097. Shimi -- descendant of Shimei
... of Shimi, Shimites. Patronymically from Shim'iy; a Shimite (collectively) or
descendants of Shimi -- of Shimi, Shimites. see HEBREW Shim'iy. 8096, 8097. ...
/hebrew/8097.htm - 6kShimite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shimite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was
the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites ...
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Shimites (1 Occurrence)

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Shimi (1 Occurrence)

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