Topical Bible: Malice: Shimei Toward David

◄ Malice: Shimei Toward David ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Malice, defined as the intention or desire to do evil or cause injury to another, is a theme that appears throughout the Bible. One notable instance of malice is found in the actions of Shimei toward King David. This episode is recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, providing a vivid illustration of personal animosity and its consequences.

Biblical Account

The account of Shimei's malice toward David is primarily found in 2 Samuel 16:5-13. As David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, came out to curse him. The Berean Standard Bible recounts:

"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 yelling out curses. He threw stones at David and all the servants of King David, and all the people and mighty men were on David’s right and left. And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, 'Get out, get out, you worthless murderer! 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 murderer!'" (2 Samuel 16:5-8).

Shimei's actions were not only disrespectful but also dangerous, as he hurled both insults and stones at the king and his men. His words were filled with malice, accusing David of being a "worthless murderer" and attributing his misfortunes to divine retribution.

David's Response

David's response to Shimei's malice is noteworthy. Despite the provocation, David chose to exercise restraint. When Abishai, one of David's warriors, 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 sovereignty and justice. He refrained from retaliating against Shimei, choosing instead to leave the matter in God's hands.

Later Developments

The account of Shimei does not end with David's flight from Absalom. After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shimei approached David with a plea for mercy. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23, Shimei confessed his wrongdoing and sought forgiveness. David, demonstrating magnanimity, spared Shimei's life, swearing an oath that he would not be put to death.

However, the issue of Shimei's malice resurfaces in 1 Kings 2:8-9, when David, on his deathbed, instructed Solomon to deal with Shimei according to his wisdom. Solomon eventually placed Shimei under house arrest, and when Shimei violated the terms, Solomon ordered his execution (1 Kings 2:36-46).

Theological Implications

The account of Shimei's malice toward David highlights several theological themes. It underscores the destructive nature of malice and the importance of responding to hostility with patience and trust in God's justice. David's restraint and eventual forgiveness of Shimei serve as a model of grace and reliance on divine providence. At the same time, the narrative illustrates the principle that unrepentant malice ultimately leads to judgment, as seen in Shimei's eventual fate under Solomon's reign.

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

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury, and ... So when David was assailed
by Shimei with stones ... assailed by men, overlooking their malice (which could ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

2 Cor. I. 23
... "To confirm your love toward him.". ... his craftiness, his evil devices, his malice,
his capacity to ... For instance, when Shimei was bespattering him with reproaches ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iv 2 cor i.htm

Of Civil Government.
... allow the grey hairs of Joab and Shimei to go ... and pious man patiently to sustain
the malice of those ... honestly and faithfully perform their duty toward us, but ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

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 to ... Job 2:9). Great is his malice toward them, great is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men" (verse ... be any more in this
world, as David, whom Peter ... of his saints should, through the malice of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Thus Shimei cursed David; he sentenced him for and to evil unjustly, when he said
to him, 'Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm