Introduction:
Shimei is a biblical figure from the Old Testament, known for his interactions with King David. He is a member of the tribe of Benjamin and is most notably recognized for his actions during Absalom's rebellion against David. Shimei's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.

Background and Family:
Shimei is identified as the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim. The tribe of Benjamin held historical significance as the tribe of King Saul, Israel's first king. This connection is crucial in understanding Shimei's animosity towards David, who succeeded Saul as king.

Shimei's Actions During Absalom's Rebellion:
During Absalom's rebellion, as David fled Jerusalem, Shimei took the opportunity to express his disdain for David. In 2 Samuel 16:5-8 , Shimei is described as cursing David, throwing stones, and accusing him of being a "man of blood" and a "worthless man." Shimei attributed the downfall of Saul's house to David and saw the rebellion as divine retribution.

Despite the provocation, David chose to show restraint. When Abishai, one of David's men, offered to kill Shimei, David refused, saying, "Let him curse, for the LORD has told him to" (2 Samuel 16:10). David's response demonstrated his humility and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of personal insult and danger.

Shimei's Repentance:
After Absalom's defeat and David's return to Jerusalem, Shimei was among the first to meet the king at the Jordan River. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23 , Shimei fell before David and pleaded for forgiveness, acknowledging his wrongdoing. David, in a gesture of mercy and political wisdom, spared Shimei's life, declaring, "You shall not die" (2 Samuel 19:23).

Shimei's Fate Under Solomon:
David's clemency towards Shimei was not without conditions. Before his death, David instructed Solomon to deal wisely with Shimei, recognizing the potential threat he posed. In 1 Kings 2:8-9 , David reminded Solomon of Shimei's actions and advised him to bring Shimei's "gray head down to Sheol in blood."

Solomon initially showed leniency, confining Shimei to Jerusalem and warning him not to leave the city. However, when Shimei violated this condition by traveling to Gath, Solomon summoned him and reminded him of his oath. In 1 Kings 2:44-46 , Solomon declared that Shimei's actions had brought his fate upon himself, and he was subsequently executed.

Theological Significance:
Shimei's account highlights themes of justice, mercy, and the consequences of one's actions. His initial cursing of David reflects the deep-seated tensions between the house of Saul and David. David's response to Shimei's curses exemplifies a reliance on God's justice rather than personal vengeance. Shimei's eventual downfall under Solomon underscores the biblical principle that while mercy is available, it does not negate the consequences of disobedience and broken covenants.

Conclusion:
Shimei's narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the importance of humility, repentance, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in the affairs of men. His interactions with David and Solomon provide valuable lessons on leadership, forgiveness, and the administration of justice.

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
... (Hebrews 12:11.) The consideration of which made David endure Shimei's cursed railing
with greater patience; and to correct himself another time for his ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for one that is.htm

Concerning Persecution
... God bade Shimei curse. Shimei's tongue was the arrow, but it was God that shot it.
God's Design. God has a twofold design in the persecutions of his children. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Chastisements.
... Passing through the territory of Saul's tribe"dangerous ground for him to
tread"the rank hatred of Shimei's heart blossoms into speech. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

The Providence of God
... Another instance is in Shimei's cursing David. Shimei cursed David, it
was wicked and sinful, for it was the fruit of his malice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Book ii.
... weakness. "Is this the law of man, O God?". xvi.10. He humbles himself
under Abishai's violence and Shimei's curse. xvii.14. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... himself for Absalom, [446]336; complained under reproach, [447]340; his sorrow,
[448]353; his care for his people, [449]354; bore with Shimei's curses, [450]388 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... David, not murmuring against God, but acknowledging him to be a just judge,
confesses that the curses of Shimei are uttered by his orders. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Christian Meekness
... Another eminent pattern of meekness was David. When Shimei cursed David, and
Abishai, one of David's lifeguard, would have beheaded Shimei. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... [26] David is here greatly blamed by some for recommending Joab and Shimei to be
punished by Solomon, if he could find a proper occasion, after he had borne ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Shimei's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shimei's (1 Occurrence). 1 ... Gath. And they told
Shimei saying, Behold, thy servants are in Gath. (DBY NIV). ...
/s/shimei's.htm - 6k

Shim'ei (40 Occurrences)
Shim'ei. Shimei, Shim'ei. Shimei's . ... Shim'ei (40 Occurrences). Exodus 6:17 The
sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. (See RSV). ...
/s/shim'e-i.htm - 16k

Abishai (25 Occurrences)
... When Shimei, of the house of Saul, cursed the fleeing king, Abishai characteristically
wished to kill him at once (2 Samuel 16:8, 9); and when the king ...
/a/abishai.htm - 19k

Shim'ei's (1 Occurrence)
Shim'ei's. Shimei's, Shim'ei's. Shimeites . ... And they told Shimei, saying: 'Behold,
thy servants are in Gath.' (See RSV). Shimei's, Shim'ei's. Shimeites > ...
/s/shim'e-i's.htm - 6k

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