2 Samuel 19:16

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Shimei the son of Gera.—See Note on 2Samuel 16:5. It is evident that Shimei was a man of influence and importance, and his accession to David at this juncture was of great value. At the same time, it is plain that Shimei himself was only a time-server, and that he was thoroughly disloyal in his heart, and only came now to David because he saw that his was “the winning cause.”

Benson Commentary

2 Samuel 19:16-17. Shimei hasted and came down to meet King David — As Shimei had so insulted and abused David, he very justly concluded that he could have no hopes of pardon, but in consequence of his being one of the first to go and bring back the king. There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him — Whom he brought, partly to show his interest in the people, and the service he was capable of rendering the king; and partly that they might be intercessors on his behalf, and as witnesses of David’s clemency or severity, that in him they might see what the rest of them might expect. Ziba — Who, being conscious of his former abuse of David, and of his master Mephibosheth, which he knew the king would understand, designed to sweeten David’s spirit toward him, by his forwardness in meeting him. They went over Jordan before the king —

They were so desirous to express their zeal, that they went further than the men of Judah, even to the other side of Jordan where the king was, and then, returning, passed over before him.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:16-23 Those who now slight and abuse the Son of David, would be glad to make their peace when he shall come in his glory; but it will be too late. Shimei lost no time. His abuse had been personal, and with the usual right feeling of good men, David could more easily forgive it.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Shimei being aware that Judah was unanimous in recalling the king, lost no time in trying to make his peace with David, by bringing a large Benjamite force with him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16-23. Shemei … a thousand men of Benjamin with him—This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with magnanimity, and with the greater confidence that he felt himself now re-established in the kingdom (see on [276]1Ki 2:8).

Matthew Poole's Commentary

No text from Poole on this verse.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim,.... Of whom see 2 Samuel 16:5,

hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David: he took the first opportunity to meet the king, and ask his pardon for his ill treatment of him when he fled from Jerusalem; for, hearing: that Absalom was slain, and the victory was on the side of David, who was returning in triumph, he thought it advisable as soon as possible to make his submission, and entreat forgiveness, lest he should fall a just sacrifice to his vengeance; and a better opportunity he could not well have than to go along with the men of Judah, who met the king first of all.

Geneva Study Bible

And {g} Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

(g) Who had before reviled him, 2Sa 16:13.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16–44. David’s return. Episodes on the journey

16–23. Shimei sues for pardon

16. Shimei] See ch. 2 Samuel 16:5 ff. Shimei and Ziba came with guilty consciences to curry favour by seeming to shew special zeal in bringing back the king.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Shimei the son of Gera. The fact that he came attended by a thousand men of the tribe of Benjamin is a proof, not only that he was a person of influence, but that he had exerted himself to bring over his tribesmen to David's side. His adherence was, therefore, of importance. Ziba had always professed allegiance to David, and as he virtually represented the house of Stud, his presence was also valuable, even if prompted by the desire to keep Mephibosheth's land. For though Absalom seemed to be the nation's choice, yet there would be many legitimists who would consider that the crown belonged to Saul's heirs, and who would watch the course of events for any opportunity favourable to their views. David's victory ruined their hopes, and the public acts of Shimei and Ziba removed all fear of public disturbance on the part of Saul's friends. 2 Samuel 19:16

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

Return of the king; and occurrences at the crossing of the Jordan. - 2 Samuel 19:15-23. Pardon of Shimei. - 2 Samuel 19:15, 2 Samuel 19:16. When David reached the Jordan on his return, and Judah had come to Gilgal "to meet him, to conduct the king over the Jordan," i.e., to form an escort at the crossing, Shimei the Benjaminite hastened down from Bahurim (see 2 Samuel 16:5.) with the men of Judah to meet David.