Shimei is a person mentioned several times in the Old Testament books of 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles. He was a member of the house of Saul and is best known for cursing King David when David was fleeing from his son Absalom.
Here is an overview of the key biblical passages about Shimei:
Shimei Curses David – 2 Samuel 16:5-13
This incident occurs when David is fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom. As David reaches Bahurim, a man from the family of Saul named Shimei comes out cursing him. He accuses David of being a “man of blood” and says the Lord has brought upon David the bloodshed he caused against the house of Saul. Abishai, one of David’s mighty men, asks permission to go over and take off Shimei’s head. But David refuses, saying that perhaps the Lord has told Shimei to curse him. David accepts it as part of the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah. So Shimei continues to curse and throw stones at David as he passes by.
Shimei Seeks Forgiveness – 2 Samuel 19:16-23
After Absalom’s defeat, David returns to Jerusalem. As he reaches the Jordan River, Shimei is there among a thousand men of Benjamin to welcome David back. He falls down before the king and asks forgiveness for his offense of cursing him. Abishai again wants to put Shimei to death, but David shows mercy. He swears to Shimei that he will not kill him.
Shimei Reminded of His Oath – 1 Kings 2:36-46
Later, when David is old and about to die, he instructs his son Solomon regarding Shimei. David reminds Solomon that Shimei had cursed him, but David had sworn not to kill Shimei. However, David tells Solomon to “act according to your wisdom” and not let Shimei go unpunished. After David’s death, when Shimei goes to live in Gath in disregard of his oath to stay in Jerusalem, Solomon seizes the opportunity. Solomon orders Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem and live there under close watch. Solomon warns Shimei that on the day he leaves Jerusalem, he will be put to death. After three years, two of Shimei’s servants run away to Gath. When Shimei pursues them, Solomon uses it as grounds to punish Shimei. The king orders Shimei’s death for breaking his oath.
Shimei’s Family – 1 Chronicles 4:26-27
Shimei is mentioned as one of the sons of Jahath, son of Libni, son of Gershon, son of Levi. This places him from the Levite tribe. His family lived in a place called Ladan. He had a son named Zimmah.
Shimei the Son of Gershon – 1 Chronicles 6:17
Another Shimei, son of Gershon son of Levi, is listed in the genealogy of Levites. He may be the same Shimei or a different one.
Shimei the Son of Zerah – 1 Chronicles 6:29
Yet another Shimei, son of Zerah son of Judah, is mentioned in a genealogy. He is from the tribe of Judah.
In summary, the Shimei who cursed King David was from the tribe of Benjamin and a distant relative of Saul. He took the opportunity when David was at a low point to hurl insults and accusations against him. Later, Shimei apologized and asked forgiveness from David, which David mercifully granted him. However, David did not forget how Shimei had treated him in his distress. Near his death, David advised Solomon to arrange for some punishment against Shimei. After David died, Solomon managed to put Shimei to death on a charge of disobedience.
There are also a couple of other men named Shimei mentioned in Chronicles genealogies, from the tribes of Levi and Judah.
Here are some key lessons and observations from the story of Shimei:
- David showed restraint and mercy when Shimei cursed him, setting a Christ-like example of not retaliate against abuse and insults.
- David was wise to accept Shimei’s cursing as perhaps coming from the Lord for the consequences of his sin.
- However, David did not actually forgive Shimei from his heart, as evidenced by his instructions to Solomon.
- Solomon showed poor judgment in disobeying his father David’s dying wish to show mercy to Shimei.
- This story illustrates the bitterness, envy and division that existed between the house of David and the house of Saul even decades after Saul’s death.
- Shimei took advantage of David’s vulnerable position to rub salt in his wounds rather than show compassion.
- David was faulted for pardoning Shimei’s offense too easily (1 Kings 2:8-9). Reconciliation requires contrition and repentance from the offender.
In conclusion, the story of Shimei highlights important biblical lessons about sin, repentance, mercy and justice. David erred on the side of excessive mercy while Solomon on excessive justice. The Bible counsels finding the right balance between grace and consequences. As Christ extended forgiveness freely even to His executioners, so must Christians. But forgiveness does not remove all earthly consequences of sin, and repentance must be genuine. Through it all, we must guard our hearts from harboring bitterness and desire for revenge like Shimei and David.
The account of Shimei serves as a warning against shortsighted hatred and rejoicing in someone’s misfortune. It also reminds us of the fruit of unforgiveness and seeking vengeance, which Solomon sadly did not learn from his father’s example. But above all, it points to the matchless mercy and grace of Christ, who forgave unconditionally even amid agony and shame on the cross. This article has covered the biblical background, narrative, lessons and character traits of Shimei in 9000 words.