Topical Bible: Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David

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Background and Context

Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or sacred things. It often involves speaking against God's anointed or His divine order. One notable instance of blasphemy in the Old Testament is the behavior of Shimei, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, towards King David. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 16:5-13 and provides a vivid example of personal malice intertwined with blasphemous actions.

The Incident

During the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, King David was forced to flee Jerusalem. As David and his men traveled, they encountered Shimei, the son of Gera, from the house of Saul. Shimei's actions and words during this encounter are significant for their blasphemous nature. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows:

"As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept shouting out curses. He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David, and though all the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left, Shimei said as he cursed: 'Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!'" (2 Samuel 16:5-8).

Analysis of Shimei's Actions

Shimei's actions can be seen as blasphemous for several reasons:

1. Cursing God's Anointed: David was chosen by God to be the king of Israel. By cursing David, Shimei was not only showing disrespect to the king but also to God's sovereign choice. This act of cursing the Lord's anointed is a direct affront to God's authority and order.

2. False Accusations: Shimei accused David of being a "man of bloodshed" and claimed that the LORD was punishing him for the blood of Saul's house. These accusations were unfounded, as David had not sought the downfall of Saul's house but had instead shown kindness to Saul's descendants, such as Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).

3. Rejoicing in David's Misfortune: Shimei's delight in David's suffering and his proclamation that the LORD had given the kingdom to Absalom reflect a heart that is not aligned with God's purposes. This malicious joy in the downfall of God's chosen leader further underscores the blasphemous nature of Shimei's actions.

David's Response

David's response to Shimei's blasphemy is noteworthy. Despite the provocation, David chose to show restraint and humility. When Abishai, one of David's men, offered to kill Shimei, David replied:

"What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him so. Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today." (2 Samuel 16:10-12).

David's response reflects a deep trust in God's justice and sovereignty. He recognized that God could use even the curses of an enemy for His purposes and chose to leave the matter in God's hands.

Later Developments

The account of Shimei does not end with this encounter. After Absalom's rebellion was quashed and David returned to Jerusalem, Shimei met David at the Jordan River, seeking forgiveness. Shimei's plea for mercy is recorded in 2 Samuel 19:18-23. David, demonstrating grace, spared Shimei's life, though he later instructed Solomon to deal with Shimei's treachery wisely (1 Kings 2:8-9).

Shimei's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blasphemy and the importance of respecting God's anointed leaders. His account is a reminder of the need for humility and reverence in our words and actions, especially towards those whom God has placed in positions of authority.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 16:5
And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... adversary.-An allusion to Abishai and Shimei, who cursed ... But this was David's mercy,
he had an Advocate ... him (Job 2:9). Great is his malice toward them, great ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Of Civil Government.
... being with impunity openly violated and polluted by public blasphemy. ... allow the grey
hairs of Joab and Shimei to go ... the father of his country, and (as the Poet ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... This David calls 'a grievous curse.' 'And behold,' saith he to Solomon his son,
'thou hast with thee Shimei,"a Benjamite,"which cursed me with a grievous ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm