In the biblical narrative, the account of Shimei and his servants provides a cautionary tale about disloyalty and the consequences of failing to adhere to one's commitments. Shimei, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is most notably remembered for cursing King David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5-13). However, his account continues beyond this act of defiance, culminating in an incident involving his servants that ultimately leads to his downfall.

After David's return to power, Shimei seeks forgiveness, and David, showing mercy, spares his life (2 Samuel 19:18-23). However, the true test of Shimei's character comes during the reign of Solomon. In 1 Kings 2:36-46, Solomon instructs Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem and remain there, warning him that if he ever leaves the city, he will surely die. This command serves as a probationary measure, testing Shimei's loyalty and obedience to the king's decree.

The servants of Shimei play a pivotal role in the unfolding of this narrative. In 1 Kings 2:39-40 , it is recorded: "But after three years, two of Shimei’s servants ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, 'Look, your servants are in Gath.' So Shimei arose, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath in search of his servants. And he brought them back from Gath."

The actions of Shimei's servants, who flee to Gath, set in motion a series of events that lead Shimei to violate Solomon's command. Despite the clear directive to remain in Jerusalem, Shimei's decision to pursue his runaway servants demonstrates a lack of discernment and a failure to prioritize obedience to the king over personal interests. This act of disobedience results in Solomon summoning Shimei and reminding him of the oath he had taken. Solomon declares in 1 Kings 2:44-45 , "The king also said, '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.'"

Ultimately, the actions of Shimei's servants indirectly lead to his execution, as Solomon orders Benaiah son of Jehoiada to strike him down (1 Kings 2:46). This narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness and the severe consequences of disobedience, both for Shimei and his servants. The servants' flight to Gath, whether motivated by fear, discontent, or other reasons, serves as a catalyst for Shimei's breach of his oath, highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and their repercussions within the biblical framework.1 Kings 2:39
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants be in Gath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Seventh Season,
... such an affront:' yes, others have borne as bad, and worse ... him, if he pleased, the
head of Shimei, the king ... the Lord at hand to avenge all his abused servants? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vii the seventh season.htm

The Meek and Lowly One
... the sons of Zeruiah to David; or when Shimei mocked David ... We, who are the servants
of Christ, have attempted to ... Why, she is a bad character, one of the worst ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... and multitudes of men, the men of Belial, like Shimei, all accused ... Nothing was too
bad for David. ... Remember it is the lot of God's greatest servants to bear the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Of Civil Government.
... who cannot but be insulted when his servants are disgraced? ... the good against the
injuries of the bad, and give ... his son Solomon to put Joab and Shimei to death. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave
... Bad times are at the door. ... Blame the devil, and blame all of his servants as much
as you ... Thus, when Shimei reviled David, and Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/gratitude for deliverance from the.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... know how to separate what is really good from the bad. ... Not so the words of Shimei,
when he said, "Begone ... Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Why, First, It was a wrong sentence past upon David; Shimei called him ... way also to
undo such tender lads; for they that are bad and sordid servants will be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Snare of the Fowler
... of mastership, and makes us harsh masters to our servants. ... Let a bad man meet me
in the street, and ask ... Say, as David said concerning Shimei, "If the Lord hath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... a right consideration of the future, rendering the servants of God ... regard to men,
good as well as bad, he will ... So when David was assailed by Shimei with stones ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... of, [807]368; vain excuses for, answered, [808]368-69; its bad effects, [809 ... hymns,
[923]301; should never be left to intermix freely with servants or friends ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

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