Shimei Curses David

II Samuel 16:1–23
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David meets Ziba, the servant of Methibosheth, as he starts down the backside of the Mount of Olives (v. 1). Ziba had two donkeys that were carrying 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 figs, and some wine. David asked him who all of this was for and he replied that the donkeys were for his family to ride, the bread and fruit are for them to eat and the wine is  to drink when they become weary (v. 2). Then, the king asked where Methibosheth was and Ziba replied that he had stayed in Jerusalem (v. 3). David says to him that everything that belonged to Methibosheth is now yours and Ziba becomes David’s humble servant (v. 4).

Shimei began cursing David and threw stones at he and his soldiers while yelling at them to get out of town (vv. 5-7). He is telling David that he is getting what he deserves because of the bloodshed he brought to the house of Saul and the Lord has given his kingdom to Absalom (v. 8). Then Abishai, David’s nephew, said this man should not be allowed to talk to him like this, so let me take his head off but David said this may be the Lord’s doing so let him curse and don’t touch him (vv. 9-11). If he is acting on his own maybe the Lord will have pity on me (v. 12). So David and the others continued down the road while Shimei continued cursing and throwing rocks at them (v. 13).

When David and the others came to the river they rested and felt better (v. 14). By this time Absalom, Ahithophel and others had reached Jerusalem. David’s friend Hushai came to Absalom and said, “Long live the King.” Absalom replied, “you should remain loyal to David” (vv. 15-17). Then Hushai said, “the Lord has chosen you to be king and it seems right for me to serve you like I served your father” (vv. 18-19). Absalom asks Ahithophel for advice and he says you should have sex with some of your father’s wives that he left to care for the palace and publically disgrace him (vv. 20-21). Absalom sets up a tent on the roof of the palace and everyone watched as he went in with his father’s wives and he and David thought Ahithophel’s advice came from God (vv. 22-23).

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