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 delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!" The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of SaulThis phrase is spoken by Shimei, a member of Saul's family, as he curses David. The context is David's flight from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. Shimei accuses David of being responsible for the bloodshed in Saul's house, although the biblical narrative shows that David did not directly kill Saul or his family. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in divine retribution, where actions, especially those involving bloodshed, are believed to have consequences. Theologically, it raises questions about justice and divine sovereignty, as David is often seen as a man after God's own heart, yet he faces severe trials and accusations. in whose place you have reigned
David's reign over Israel, succeeding Saul, was seen as divinely ordained, yet it was fraught with conflict and opposition. Saul's demise and David's rise were marked by a complex interplay of divine will and human action. This phrase highlights the tension between divine election and human perception of legitimacy. Historically, the transition from Saul to David was a significant shift in Israel's monarchy, with David establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom
This statement reflects the immediate political crisis David faces, as Absalom, his son, has usurped the throne. It underscores the theme of divine providence and judgment, as David's own sins, particularly the incident with Bathsheba and Uriah, have set the stage for familial strife and rebellion. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, even for those chosen by God. The rebellion of Absalom can be seen as a fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy in 2 Samuel 12:10-12, where God declares that calamity will arise from David's own house. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!
Shimei's accusation points to David's history of violence, including his military conquests and personal actions. While David is celebrated as a warrior king, his life is also marked by bloodshed, which complicates his legacy. This phrase echoes the biblical theme that violence begets violence, and it serves as a moral and spiritual warning. In a typological sense, David's life contrasts with that of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who brings reconciliation rather than conflict. David's experiences foreshadow the need for a perfect king who embodies righteousness and peace. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David is accused by Shimei of being a man of bloodshed. 2. ShimeiA member of Saul's family who curses David, accusing him of being responsible for the bloodshed of Saul's house and attributing David's current misfortunes to divine retribution. 3. AbsalomDavid's son, who has rebelled against his father and taken over the kingdom, fulfilling part of Shimei's curse. 4. House of SaulThe previous royal family of Israel, whose downfall is attributed to David by Shimei. 5. BahurimThe place where Shimei curses David, located on the route David takes while fleeing from Absalom. Teaching Points Divine Justice and Human AccusationShimei's words reflect a belief in divine justice, but they are also a reminder that human accusations can be misguided. We must discern between God's judgment and human opinion. Consequences of SinDavid's past actions, particularly his sin with Bathsheba, have long-lasting consequences. This serves as a reminder of the ripple effects of sin in our lives. Responding to CriticismDavid's response to Shimei's cursing is one of humility and restraint. He trusts in God's sovereignty rather than retaliating, teaching us to respond to criticism with grace. God's Sovereignty in TrialsDespite the chaos and betrayal, David acknowledges God's hand in his circumstances. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty during our trials. Repentance and ForgivenessDavid's life is marked by repentance, and despite his failures, he is known as a man after God's own heart. This highlights the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Shimei's accusation reflect the broader theme of divine justice in the Bible, and how can we discern between God's judgment and human opinion in our own lives? 2. In what ways do the consequences of David's past sins manifest in this chapter, and how can we apply this understanding to our own experiences with sin and its repercussions? 3. How does David's response to Shimei's cursing demonstrate a godly approach to criticism and adversity, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others? 4. What does David's trust in God's sovereignty during his flight from Absalom teach us about facing trials and uncertainties in our own lives? 5. Considering David's life of repentance, how can we cultivate a heart of repentance and seek God's forgiveness in our daily walk with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15-31These chapters provide the background of Saul's reign and his eventual downfall, which Shimei references in his accusation against David. 2 Samuel 12:10-12Nathan's prophecy to David after his sin with Bathsheba, predicting turmoil within David's house, which is being fulfilled through Absalom's rebellion. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God despite the circumstances. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Avenged, Behold, Blood, Bloodshed, Bloody, Caught, Delivered, Evil, Family, Handed, Hast, Household, Kingdom, Mischief, Punishment, Reigned, Returned, Ruin, Saul, Shed, SteadDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:5-8 5550 speech, negative
8787 opposition, to God 2 Samuel 16:5-11 6655 forgiveness, application 2 Samuel 16:5-12 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 16:5-13 5964 temper Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:8 NIV2 Samuel 16:8 NLT2 Samuel 16:8 ESV2 Samuel 16:8 NASB2 Samuel 16:8 KJV
2 Samuel 16:8 Commentaries
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