Topical Bible: Cursing: Shimei Curses David

◄ Cursing: Shimei Curses David ►

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Biblical Context:

The account of Shimei cursing David is found in 2 Samuel 16:5-13. This event occurs during a tumultuous period in King David's reign, as he flees Jerusalem due to the rebellion of his son Absalom. The narrative provides insight into the themes of divine sovereignty, human response to adversity, and the complexities of justice and mercy.

Scriptural Account:

As David and his entourage travel from Jerusalem, they encounter Shimei, a man from the house of Saul. The Berean Standard Bible records the incident as follows:

"When King David came to 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 yelling 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).

David's Response:

David's response to Shimei's cursing is notable for its restraint and humility. Despite the provocation and the potential threat to his dignity and authority, David chooses not to retaliate. Instead, he acknowledges the possibility that Shimei's words might be divinely ordained:

"Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!' But the king replied, 'What have I to do with you, 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 16:9-12).

Theological Implications:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: David's reaction underscores a profound belief in God's sovereignty. He perceives Shimei's cursing as potentially part of God's broader plan, demonstrating a willingness to submit to divine will even when it involves personal humiliation.

2. Humility and Repentance: David's acceptance of Shimei's cursing reflects his humility and recognition of his own past sins, particularly concerning the house of Saul and the incident with Bathsheba. This humility is a key aspect of David's character, distinguishing him as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

3. Mercy Over Retribution: David's refusal to allow Abishai to harm Shimei highlights a preference for mercy over retribution. This decision aligns with biblical principles of forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19).

4. Endurance in Adversity: The episode illustrates the endurance required of God's servants in the face of unjust treatment. David's patience and trust in God's justice serve as an example for believers facing trials and persecution.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Shimei's actions must be understood within the context of the tribal and familial loyalties of ancient Israel. As a member of Saul's clan, Shimei's animosity towards David is rooted in the political and personal upheavals following Saul's death and David's rise to power. This incident reflects the ongoing tensions between the house of Saul and David's dynasty.

Later Developments:

The account of Shimei does not end with this encounter. After Absalom's rebellion is quashed, Shimei seeks David's forgiveness, which David grants (2 Samuel 19:16-23). However, David later instructs Solomon to deal with Shimei according to his wisdom, which ultimately leads to Shimei's execution (1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46). This resolution underscores the complexity of justice and the fulfillment of divine judgment in God's timing.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 16:5-8
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 Argument for Restraining Anger is Given Again. ...
... I am perfect, I bless him that curses me, as ... When the son of Shimei cursed him, and
charged him ... my humiliation and requite me good for this cursing." [338] So ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlviii the argument for.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... David, his love for his people, [437]146; to his rebel son, [438]198; things ...
448]353; his care for his people, [449]354; bore with Shimei's curses, [450]388 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Man.
... so it is with them that by cursing wish evil ... in a sinful course is one of the greatest
of curses. ... the sinner than Solomon said to filthy Shimei, "Thou knowest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... It was a wrong sentence past upon David; Shimei called him ... all which is a devilish
kind of cursing, and is ... that his father had, could escape these curses of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... of the name, this fearful name of God, either by their blasphemous cursing and oaths ...
This David conceiveth, when he saith, "But as for me, I will come into thy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm