Shimei Curses David
January 19, 2022
Commentary
David met Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, as he went down the back side of the Mount of Olives (v. 1). Ziba brought two donkeys loaded with bread, raisins, figs, and wine. When David asked about the supplies, Ziba said they were for the king’s household to ride, eat, and drink when weary (v. 2). When David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba replied that he had remained in Jerusalem, believing the kingdom would return to him (v. 3). David then declared that everything belonging to Mephibosheth now belonged to Ziba, who bowed and became the king’s servant (v. 4).
As David continued, Shimei began cursing him and throwing stones at him, shouting for them to leave the city (vv. 5–7). Shimei accused David of bloodshed against the house of Saul and claimed the Lord had given the kingdom over to Absalom (v. 8). Abishai, David’s nephew, offered to kill him. David stopped him, saying this could be the Lord’s doing (vv. 9–11). David reasoned that perhaps the Lord would see his misery and show mercy (v. 12). So, David and his men continued down the road while Shimei continued cursing and throwing stones (v. 13).
When David and his men reached the Jordan, they rested and were refreshed (v. 14), finding strength to continue their journey. Meanwhile, Absalom and Ahithophel arrived in Jerusalem. David’s friend Hushai greeted Absalom, saying, “Long live the king.” When questioned, Hushai said he would serve the one the Lord had chosen (vv. 15–19). Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, which was regarded as wisdom from God (vv. 20–23).
Application
As I walk through this day, I watch my heart before God. How do I respond when I am blamed or mistreated? Do I react in anger, or trust God to judge rightly? Can I stay humble when words hurt me? Will I ask God to show mercy and guide my steps today? Who do I need to forgive right now?
2 Samuel 16:1–23 (NET)
1 When David had gone a short way beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a couple of donkeys that were saddled, and on them were 200 loaves of bread, 100 raisin cakes, 100 baskets of summer fruit, and a container of wine.
2 The king asked Ziba, “Why did you bring these things?” Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s family to ride on, the loaves of bread and the summer fruit are for the attendants to eat, and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert.” 3 The king asked, “Where is your master’s grandson?” Ziba replied to the king, “He remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give back to me my grandfather’s kingdom.’” 4 The king said to Ziba, “Everything that was Mephibosheth’s now belongs to you.” Ziba replied, “I bow before you. May I find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”
5 Then King David reached Bahurim. There a man from Saul’s extended family named Shimei son of Gera came out, yelling curses as he approached. 6 He threw stones at David and all of King David’s servants, as well as all the people and the soldiers who were on his right and on his left. 7 As he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Leave! Leave! You man of bloodshed, you wicked man! 8 The Lord has punished you for all the spilled blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you rule. Now the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Disaster has overtaken you, for you are a man of bloodshed!”
9 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!” 10 But the king said, “What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David!,’ who can say to him, ‘Why have you done this?’” 11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son, my very own flesh and blood, is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the Lord has spoken to him. 12 Perhaps the Lord will notice my affliction and this day grant me good in place of his curse.”
13 So David and his men went on their way. But Shimei kept going along the side of the hill opposite him, yelling curses as he threw stones and dirt at them. 14 The king and all the people who were with him arrived exhausted at their destination, where David refreshed himself.
15 Now when Absalom and all the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, Ahithophel was with him. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17 Absalom said to Hushai, “Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” 18 Hushai replied to Absalom, “No, I will be loyal to the one whom the Lord, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. 19 Moreover, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?” 21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
23 In those days Ahithophel’s advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation. Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel.