Shimei (V)

V. SHIMEI, Son of Gera, a Kinsman of Saul’s. When David was obliged to retire from Jerusalem, a because of the Rebellion of his Son Absalom, Shimei met him at Bahurim, began to curse him, and to throw Stones at him, saying, Come out, come out, thou bloody Man, and thou Man of Belial: The Lord hath returned upon thee all the Blood of the House of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned, and the Lord hath delivered the Kingdom into the Hand of Absalom thy Son; and behold, thou art taken in thy Mischief, because thou art a bloody Man. Then Abishai the Son of Zeruiah says to the King, Why should this dead Dog curse my Lord the King? Let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his Head. David reply’d to him, What have I to do with you, ye Sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? Thus Shimei continued to persecute him, walking along the Side of the Hill, throwing Stones, and raising the Dust as the King passed along.

2 Sam. xix. 16, 17. In the Year of the World 2981.But when David return’d to Jerusalem, after the Defeat and Death of Absalom, Shimei made haste to come with the Men of Judah, and accompany’d with a thousand Men of Benjamin, he went before David. And when this Prince had passed over Jordan, he came and threw himself at his Feet, desiring him to forgive and forget the Fault he had committed, when he loaded him with his Curses. Then Abishai the Son of Zeruiah expostulated in an angry manner; Shall not Shimei be put to Death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s Anointed? But David disapproved of Abishai’s Zeal, and promised Shimei, with an Oath, that he should not be put to Death. And in truth, he suffer’d him to live in Peace as long as he liv’d himself; but as it was an Example of dangerous Consequence, to let such Crimes go away with Impunity, and as he ought to give an Example of Justice to his People; before his Death, he recommended to Solomon,¹ not to let Shimei go unpunish’d, but to take Revenge for it, according as his Discretion should furnish him with an Occasion.

When Solomon therefore ascended the Throne,² he caus’d Shimei to come to him, and said to him, Build thee an House in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither: For it shall be, that on the Day thou goest out, and passest over the Brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain, that thou shalt surely die: Thy Blood shall be upon thine own Head. Shimei obey’d the King, and came and dwelt at Jerusalem. But it happen’d three Years after,³ that some of his Slaves run away from him, and took Sanctuary with Achish King of Gath. Shimei having Notice of it, went after them, and brought them back to Jerusalem. The King being inform’d of this Journey, caus’d Shimei to come before him, and said to him; Did not I command you not to go out of Jerusalem? and did not I assure you, that the Day you went out, you should be put to Death? At the same time he gave Orders to Benaiah the Son of Jehoiada to fall upon him, and kill him. Thus the Vengeance of the Lord at last found out this wicked Man.

Read this article in its place on the printed pages