Shimei Executed

I Kings 2:36–46
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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.