Shimei Executed

Topic: Judgment
Passage: 1 Kings 2:36–46

January 13, 2020

Commentary

Shimei first appeared in Scripture throwing rocks and cursing as David’s army was fleeing from Absalom. David’s men wanted to kill him on the spot (II Sam. 16:5-13) but his execution was delayed, probably because of all that David was facing at the moment in view of Absalom’s rebellion.

In this passage we find Shimei being summoned before the King. David had commanded Solomon to bring him to judgment because he was a threat to the kingdom. Now Solomon passes judgment on him by employing a penalty similar to that imposed on Abiathar. Shimei was restricted to living in Jerusalem and specifically told not to cross the Kidron Valley. This meant that he was cut off from his hometown, Bahurim (II Sam. 16:5) and his tribe of Benjamin.

Solomon told Shimei that he would be executed if he disobeyed his orders. Shimei understood his sentence and agreed to abide by it; and did for three years (v. 39). At that time two of Shimei’s slaves ran off to Gath, about 30 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Knowing this arrangement, they may have thought they had immunity from either pursuit or penalty by Shimei.

However, Shimei was not to be deprived of his property so he pursued his runaway servants to Gath. When Solomon found out he called him in and reviewed the terms of his sentence (vv. 42-43). As David had commanded (vv. 8-9), Solomon had Shimei put to death. Solomon’s prior mercy in dealing with Shimei (vv. 36-37) absolved him from any charge of being vindictive or unfair.

Application

Solomon was very patient in dealing with Shimei. God is very patient in dealing with me. However, there does come a time when disobedience to His commands can no longer go unpunished.

1 Kings 2:36– 46 (NET)

36 Next the king summoned Shimei and told him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but you may not leave there to go anywhere. 37 If you ever do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die. You will be responsible for your own death.” 38 Shimei said to the king, “My master the king’s proposal is acceptable. Your servant will do as you say.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

39 Three years later two of Shimei’s servants ran away to King Achish son of Maacah of Gath. Shimei was told, “Look, your servants are in Gath.” 40 So Shimei got up, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to find his servants; Shimei went and brought back his servants from Gath. 41 When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had then returned, 42 the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “You will recall that I made you take an oath by the Lord, and I solemnly warned you, ‘If you ever leave and go anywhere, know for sure that you will certainly die.’ You said to me, ‘The proposal is acceptable; I agree to it.’ 43 Why then have you broken the oath you made before the Lord and disobeyed the order I gave you?” 44 Then the king said to Shimei, “You are well aware of the way you mistreated my father David. The Lord will punish you for what you did. 45 But King Solomon will be empowered, and David’s dynasty will endure permanently before the Lord.” 46 The king then gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada who went and executed Shimei. So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.