1 Reis 2

1 Reis 2

Meyer - 1 Kings 2:4 That the Lord may continue His word. How strongly David held to God’s promise! It was deeply graven in his soul. How could he forget the word which guaranteed the succession of his race upon the throne of Israel! At the same time he distinctly recognized that the fulfillment was conditional. There was an if in it. It was only in so far as his children took heed to walk before God in truth that God was bound to place them on the throne of Israel; therefore he urged Solomon to keep the charge of the Lord, that the Lord might continue His word. We also must obey the threefold condition if we would enjoy a continuance of God’s helpful care. 1. Be thou strong.— The strength which is in Jesus Christ waits to make us strong. In the Lion of the tribe of Judah there is the boldness which will not swerve in the face of the foe. Timid women and little children in the days of persecution have waxed valiant in the fight, and have not flinched from death, because Jesus was beside them. 2. Keep the charge of the Lord thy God.— He has committed to our care many a sacred deposit, in return for our deposit with Him (2 Timothy 1:12, 14; R. V., marg. ). They are His holy Gospel, the Rest Day, the doctrines of the Evangelical Faith, and the Inspired Word. Let us watch them until we see them weighed out in the temple as were the sacred vessels which Ezra committed to the priests for transport across the desert (Ezra 8:33), 3. Keep His statutes and commandments.— We must obey with reverent care the one great law of love, which includes all the rest. Acting thus, we shall put ourselves in the way of enjoying a continuance of that favor which God has promised. 1 Kings 2:5 "Now you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed; he also shed the blood of war in peace. And he put the blood of war on his belt about his waist, and on his sandals on his feet. BGT 1 Kings 2:5 καί γε σὺ ἔγνως ὅσα ἐποίησέν μοι Ιωαβ υἱὸς Σαρουιας ὅσα ἐποίησεν τοῖς δυσὶν ἄρχουσιν τῶν δυνάμεων Ισραηλ τῷ Αβεννηρ υἱῷ Νηρ καὶ τῷ Αμεσσαϊ υἱῷ Ιεθερ καὶ ἀπέκτεινεν αὐτοὺς καὶ ἔταξεν τὰ αἵματα πολέμου ἐν εἰρήνῃ καὶ ἔδωκεν αἷμα ἀθῷον ἐν τῇ ζώνῃ αὐτοῦ τῇ ἐν τῇ ὀσφύι αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν τῷ ὑποδήματι αὐτοῦ τῷ ἐν τῷ ποδὶ αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Kings 2:5 Moreover thou knowest all that Joab the son of Saruia did to me, what he did to the two captains of the forces of Israel, to Abenner the son of Ner, and to Amessai the son of Jether, that he slew them, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put innocent blood on his girdle that was about his loins, and on his sandal that was on his foot. KJV 1 Kings 2:5 Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. NET 1 Kings 2:5 "You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me– how he murdered two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. During peacetime he struck them down like he would in battle; when he shed their blood as if in battle, he stained his own belt and the sandals on his feet. CSB 1 Kings 2:5 "You also know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two commanders of Israel's army, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He murdered them in a time of peace to avenge blood shed in war. He spilled that blood on his own waistband and on the sandals of his feet. ESV 1 Kings 2:5 "Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. NIV 1 Kings 2:5 "Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me--what he did to the two commanders of Israel's armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. NLT 1 Kings 2:5 "And there is something else. You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me when he murdered my two army commanders, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He pretended that it was an act of war, but it was done in a time of peace, staining his belt and sandals with innocent blood. NRS 1 Kings 2:5 "Moreover you know also what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner son of Ner, and Amasa son of Jether, whom he murdered, retaliating in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist, and on the sandals on his feet. NJB 1 Kings 2:5 'You know too what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the army of Israel, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether; how he murdered them, shedding the blood of war in time of peace and staining the belt round my waist and the sandals on my feet with the blood of war. NAB 1 Kings 2:5 You yourself know what Joab, son of Zeruiah, did to me when he slew the two generals of Israel's armies, Abner, son of Ner, and Amasa, son of Jether. He took revenge for the blood of war in a time of peace, and put bloodshed without provocation on the belt about my waist and the sandal on my foot. YLT 1 Kings 2:5 'And also, thou hast known that which he did to me -- Joab son of Zeruiah -- that which he did to two heads of the hosts of Israel, to Abner son of Ner, and to Amasa son of Jether -- that he slayeth them, and maketh the blood of war in peace, and putteth the blood of war in his girdle, that is on his loins, and in his sandals that are on his feet; GWN 1 Kings 2:5 "You know what Joab (Zeruiah's son) did to me and to the two commanders of Israel's army-Abner, son of Ner, and Amasa, son of Jether. Joab killed them. When there was peace, he shed blood as if it were wartime. With their blood he stained the belt around his waist and the shoes on his feet. Joab: 1Ki 1:7,18,19 2Sa 3:39 18:5,12,14 19:5-7 Abner: 2Sa 3:27 Amasa: 2Sa 20:10 Jether: 2Sa 17:25, Ithra put: Jer 2:34 6:15 Eze 24:7,8 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 3:27 So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother. 2 Samuel 20:10 But Amasa was not on guard against the sword which was in Joab’s hand so he struck him in the belly with it and poured out his inward parts on the ground, and did not strike him again, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri. DAVID'S ADVICE REGARDING JOAB Now you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah (David's sister making Joab his nephew) did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed - Note the phrase did to me, indicating these murders personally impacted David. These were not killings related to war but to will, the selfish and reckless will of Joab. By law Joab should have died for either murder, but David kept him as his commander in chief of his army. One wonders why David seemingly "passed the buck" to Solomon to do what he should have done to Joab? One reason may be that he knew Solomon had ample reason for killing Joab since he conspired with Adonijah to usurp the throne from Solomon. Executing Joab would in effect be like "killing two birds with one stone." He also shed the blood of war in peace - In other words Joab's murders of Abner and Amasa were not war related, which might have been excusable and not have merited punishment if they were during war. And he put the blood of war on his belt about his waist, and on his sandals on his feet - The point is that the blood of two innocent men, Abner and Amasa, stained Joab's belt (the sword would have been sheathed about his waist) and his sandals. The "blood of war" represents the bloodshed that Joab unjustly caused, specifically the murders of Abner (2 Samuel 3:27) and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10). These killings were committed under the guise of peace but were acts of treachery. The blood on Joab's belt and sandals symbolizes his personal involvement and responsibility for these crimes. The imagery of the blood on his belt (worn around the waist) and sandals (on his feet) signifies that Joab was entirely complicit in these acts of violence. The blood metaphorically covers him, highlighting his culpability from head to toe. Joab’s treacherous deeds, committed for personal ambition, ultimately led to his downfall. This reminds us that sins and injustices cannot be hidden indefinitely.. It is interesting David does not mention that Joab was complicit in David's own murder of Uriah (2Sa 11). Guzik has some interesting comments on Joab - Joab is one of the more complex characters of the Old Testament. He was fiercely loyal to David, yet not strongly obedient. He disobeyed David when he thought it was in David’s best interest, and he was cunning and ruthless in furthering his own position.. David didn’t mention Joab’s killing of Absalom, which David commanded him not to do (2 Samuel 18). Perhaps by this time David recognized that Absalom did in fact have to die for his treason and attempted murder against David.. Many people think that David did not command Joab’s execution during his lifetime because Joab knew about the murder of Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:14-25). The idea is that Joab used this knowledge as blackmail against David. This may be true, but it seems that others knew of David’s sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah also (such as Nathan the prophet and servants in David’s court). It would seem that Joab’s knowledge was only effective as blackmail if no one else knew it.. At the very least, David knew the complexity of Joab’s character. He knew the loyalty and sacrifices Joab made for David over the years, and he knew his violence and ruthlessness. “David felt under obligation to Joab, and though David was certainly not lacking in courage, he was not able to cope with the mixture of Joab’s loyalty and his misdeeds” (Patterson and Austel). IVP Background Commentary - Joab’s crimes. Abner (see comment on 2Sa 3:29) and Amasa (see comment on 2Sa 20:9) had both been military and political rivals eliminated by Joab in defiance of David’s intentions. In both instances, David was politically embarrassed and had to publicly denounce Joab’s actions. Given Joab’s past treatment of opponents, the stability of the kingdom required that he be punished as a criminal. QUESTION - Who was Joab in the Bible? ANSWER - Joab was a son of Zeruiah, King David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:13–17) and was therefore one of David’s nephews. Joab’s brothers were two of David’s brave warriors, Abishai and Asahel. Joab was positioned as commander of David’s armies because of his victory over the Jebusites, resulting in the possession of the city of Jerusalem. It was through this victory that Jerusalem became “the city of David” (1 Chronicles 11:4–9). Joab fought and won many battles for the king, but his personal lack of self-control was problematic. In a war against the forces of Ish-Bosheth, Joab’s brother Asahel was killed by Abner, the commander of Ish-Bosheth’s armies. Joab was furious and pursued Abner to kill him, but Abner escaped (2 Samuel 2:12–32). Later, after Abner swore allegiance to David, Joab’s fuse blew, and his desire to avenge his brother’s blood drove him to deceive and murder Abner (2Sa 2:26–27). This action deeply grieved David, but the king felt unable to bring justice against the mighty Joab (2Sa 2:39). Instead, David pronounced a curse over Joab and his future descendants: “May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food” (2Sa 2:29). As the commander of David’s armies, Joab was provided many victories by God, but Joab caused much grief to the king and to Israel. His anger and perhaps the power of his position drove him to poor decisions at times. In addition to his murder of Abner, Joab killed his own cousin, Amasa—and his betrayal was Judas-style, accompanied by a kiss: “Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died” (2 Samuel 20:9–10). Joab disobeyed King David’s command to spare Absalom’s life, himself striking Absalom with three javelins (2 Samuel 18). David mourned the death of his son Absalom, a response that was sternly reprimanded by Joab (2 Samuel 19:1–8). It was also Joab who, in accordance with David’s command, placed Uriah the Hittite at the front of the battle to be killed, so that David could feel justified in marrying Uriah’s widow (2 Samuel 11). Joab, for all his faults, was obviously a capable man of war and valiant on the battlefield. And he ought to be given credit for his loyalty to David for almost four decades. Joab also counseled David when David sinfully desired to take a census; if David had heeded Joab’s advice, he could have spared his nation the plague that befell Israel (2 Samuel 24:1-25). When David was on his deathbed, Joab conspired with Adonijah to install Adonijah as the next king, instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1:6-7). This action, plus Joab’s other rash decisions, vengeful murders, and inability to take certain important orders, finally drove David over the edge. David commanded Solomon to ensure Joab’s execution, an act that was carried out by Benaniah as Joab was clinging to the horns of the altar in hopes of finding clemency (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34). GotQuestions.org Related Resources: What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org Who was Amasa in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ian Paisley - When Your Sins Catch You Up "Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace." I Kings 2:5-6 Your Sins Never Give Up You cannot kill or bury your sins. They remain active and are always following hard after you. They are unwearying in their quest and untiring in their search. Your Sins Will Catch Up On You Joab thought he had killed and buried his sins forever. But the blood upon his girdle and in his shoes was irremovable. Sin caught up with him even although he held the horns of the altar of God (I Kings 2:30-33). Your Sins Will Eventually Destroy You Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The only escape from sin is in the death of Christ. Don't be a Joab, rather be a Job! 1 Kings 2:6 "So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace. BGT 1 Kings 2:6 καὶ ποιήσεις κατὰ τὴν σοφίαν σου καὶ οὐ κατάξεις τὴν πολιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐν εἰρήνῃ εἰς ᾅδου LXE 1 Kings 2:6 Therefore thou shalt deal with him according to thy wisdom, and thou shalt not bring down his grey hairs in peace to the grave. KJV 1 Kings 2:6 Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. NET 1 Kings 2:6 Do to him what you think is appropriate, but don't let him live long and die a peaceful death. CSB 1 Kings 2:6 Act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head descend to Sheol in peace. ESV 1 Kings 2:6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. NIV 1 Kings 2:6 Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. NLT 1 Kings 2:6 Do with him what you think best, but don't let him grow old and go to his grave in peace. NRS 1 Kings 2:6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. NJB 1 Kings 2:6 You will be wise not to let his grey head go down to Sheol in peace. NAB 1 Kings 2:6 Act with the wisdom you possess; you must not allow him to go down to the grave in peaceful old age. YLT 1 Kings 2:6 and thou hast done according to thy wisdom, and dost not let his old age go down in peace to Sheol. according: 1Ki 2:9 Pr 20:26 let: 1Ki 2:28-34 Ge 9:6 Nu 35:33 Pr 28:17 Ec 8:11 Isa 65:20 in: Ge 42:38 2Ki 22:20 Ps 37:37 Isa 48:22 57:2,21 TAKE HIM OUT! So act according to your wisdom - NET = "Do to him what you think is appropriate" NLT = "Do with him what you think best." and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace - NET = "Don't let him live long and die a peaceful death" Joab would have been advanced in age but David did not want him to get any more advanced (gray hair)! David's desire is that he not experience a natural, peaceful death related to advanced age. In short, David is essentially telling Solomon to take him out soon! 1 Kings 2:7 "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for they assisted me when I fled from Absalom your brother. BGT 1 Kings 2:7 καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς Βερζελλι τοῦ Γαλααδίτου ποιήσεις ἔλεος καὶ ἔσονται ἐν τοῖς ἐσθίουσιν τὴν τράπεζάν σου ὅτι οὕτως ἤγγισάν μοι ἐν τῷ με ἀποδιδράσκειν ἀπὸ προσώπου Αβεσσαλωμ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου LXE 1 Kings 2:7 But thou shalt deal kindly with the sons of Berzelli the Galaadite, and they shall be among those that eat at thy table; for thus they drew nigh to me when I fled from the face of thy brother Abessalom. KJV 1 Kings 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. NET 1 Kings 2:7 "Treat fairly the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and provide for their needs, because they helped me when I had to flee from your brother Absalom. CSB 1 Kings 2:7 "Show loyalty to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite and let them be among those who eat at your table because they supported me when I fled from your brother Absalom. ESV 1 Kings 2:7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. NIV 1 Kings 2:7 "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. NLT 1 Kings 2:7 "Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom. NRS 1 Kings 2:7 Deal loyally, however, with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from your brother Absalom. NJB 1 Kings 2:7 As regards the sons of Barzillai of Gilead, treat them with faithful love, let them be among those who eat at your table, for they were as kind to me when I was fleeing from your brother Absalom. NAB 1 Kings 2:7 "But be kind to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and have them eat at your table. For they received me kindly when I was fleeing your brother Absalom. YLT 1 Kings 2:7 'And to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite thou dost do kindness, and they have been among those eating at thy table, for so they drew near unto me in my fleeing from the face of Absalom thy brother. Barzillai: 2Sa 17:27-29 19:31-40 Pr 27:10 eat: 2Sa 9:7,10 19:28 Lu 12:37 22:28-30 Rev 3:20,21 when I fled: 2Sa 15:13-15 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 17:27-29+ Now when David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds, 29honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 19:31-39+ Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; and he went on to the Jordan with the king to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was very old, being eighty years old; and he had sustained the king while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very great man. 33 The king said to Barzillai, “You cross over with me and I will sustain you in Jerusalem with me.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How long have I yet to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 “I am now eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore the voice of singing men and women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 “Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king compensate me with this reward? 37 “Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” 38 The king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight; and whatever you require of me, I will do for you.” 39 All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place. DAVID REMEMBERS BAZILLAI'S KINDNESS But - A strong contrast. Death to one (Shimei). Life to another (Barzillai). Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table - David's table was furnished by Barzillai when he was on the run from Absalom, so now David reciprocates. David owed loyalty, so loyalty was to be shown. Barzillai the Gileadite - 5x/5v - 2 Sam. 17:27; 2 Sam. 19:31; 1 Ki. 2:7; Ezr. 2:61; Neh. 7:63 For - Term of explanation. Self explanatory in this context. They assisted me when I fled from Absalom your brother - Without Barzillai's kindness David might have starved to death (2Sa 17:27-29). One wonders why the other benefactors Shobi and Machir were not mentioned. David valued loyalty: Barzillai’s assistance during David’s time of need demonstrated unwavering loyalty. By offering him a place of honor at his royal table, David sought to repay this kindness. He honored those who helped him -- David’s actions reflect a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to reward those who supported him in difficult times. David’s treatment of Barzillai paints a picture of a king who deeply valued loyalty, practiced generosity, and acted with humility, characteristics that made him a leader after God’s own heart. QUESTION - Who was Barzillai in the Bible? ANSWER - Barzillai the Gileadite is mentioned ten times in the Old Testament. (Two other men named Barzillai are also mentioned, one in 2 Samuel 21:8 and the other in Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63). Barzillai is described as a wealthy man from Rogelim in Gilead who lived during the time of King David (2 Samuel 17:27). He is best known for his loyal service to David when David was forced to flee Jerusalem during a revolt by his son Absalom. During David’s brief time of exile, Barzillai was one of several key people who provided for the needs of David’s household (2 Samuel 17:27–29; 19:32). When the rebellion ended, Barzillai accompanied David and his people to the shore of the Jordan River where they would cross back into Judah on their way to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:31). At the time, Barzillai was 80 years old. David offered for Barzillai to return to Jerusalem with him so he could return his kindness and care for his needs. Barzillai respectfully turned down David’s offer, seeking to live out the rest of his days in his own land instead. However, Barzillai asked for his servant Kimham to cross over instead: “But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish” (2 Samuel 19:37). David granted his request and kissed and blessed Barzillai when they parted. Even in his final moments with David, Barzillai sought the welfare of others, this time offering a better life for his own servant. Barzillai is mentioned three times in Scripture after his death. In Ezra 2:61 and Nehemiah 7:63 he is noted in a list of Jewish descendants. In both passages, Barzallai is called “the Gileadite” because another man with the same name had married one of Barzallai’s daughters. Barzillai’s name was clearly of great reputation if his son-in-law wanted to be known by the same name. The other mention of Barzallai after his death is by King David. When David gives instructions to his son Solomon as he transitions the kingdom to him, David states, “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom” (1 Kings 2:7). Barzillai’s kindness was remembered long after his death, being mentioned by the greatest king of Israel. Despite his strange name, Barzallai was a man with a great reputation for loyalty to God and to his king and kindness to those under his care. Despite being a man of wealth, he used his influence for the benefit of others and lived a simple life. He offers a powerful example of the legacy one person can have through loving God and serving others during difficult times.GotQuestions.org Ian Paisley - Your Goodness Will Catch You Up "But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother." I Kings 2:7 Your Goodness Never Gives Up Goodness is a living seed which always bears a bountiful harvest. It cannot die. It must and will multiply. It is bread cast on the waters of life which most certainly will return to you even after many days. Your Goodness Will Catch Up On You Barzillai spread a table in the wilderness for David not knowing that he was spreading a royal table for his sons forever. His goodness caught up on him and blessed his generations to come. Your Goodness Will Eventually Deliver You Remember Rahab? She perished not when she had received the spies in peace. God's goodness follows the child of God all the days of his life. Make sure it is following you (see Psalm 23:6) 1 Kings 2:8 "Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera the Benjamite, of Bahurim; now it was he who cursed me with a violent curse on the day I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, 'I will not put you to death with the sword.' Shimei: 1Ki 2:36-46 2Sa 16:5-8 he came: 2Sa 19:16-23 Jer 4:2 Related Passages: Exodus 22:28+ “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people. 2 Samuel 16:5-10+ When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out cursing continually as he came. 6 He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left. 7 Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! 8 “The LORD has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!” 9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 2 Samuel 19:16-23 Then Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite who was from Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, with Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they rushed to the Jordan before the king. 18 Then they kept crossing the ford to bring over the king’s household, and to do what was good in his sight. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan. 19 So he said to the king, “Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did wrong on the day when my lord the king came out from Jerusalem, so that the king would take it to heart. 20 “For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, “Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?” 22 David then said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” 23 The king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him. DAVID REMEMBERS SHIMEI'S CURSING Behold, - He really want to get Solomon's attention on this one. there is with you Shimei the son of Gera the Benjamite, of Bahurim; now it was he who cursed me with a violent curse on the day I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, 'I will not put you to death with the sword Shimei, a man of the family of Saul who had cursed David when the king was forced into exile (2Sa 16:5-8), apparently wanted a return to the former dynasty. Later Solomon confined Shimei to Jerusalem to curtail any insurrection this rebel might attempt. Solomon finally took Shimei's life when he left Jerusalem to recover two escaped servants (1Ki 2:36-46). It is notable that cursing a ruler was a capital crime (Ex 22:28), so as with Joab, Shimei's death was within the limits of the law. QUESTION - Who was Shimei in the Bible? ANSWER - There are a total of 18 men in the Bible with the name Shimei, all Israelites and all found in the Old Testament. Some Shimeis are simply mentioned by name in genealogies, some are called out for their sin of intermarriage with other cultures, and some are mentioned due to their relationship to other famous Bible characters (such as Saul, David, and Esther). You can find a few of them in the following passages: 2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Kings 1:8; 1 Chronicles 3:19; 4:26–27; 5:4; 6:29. Among all these men named Shimei, there are two who are of particular note. The first is Shimei son of Gershon (one of Levi’s sons). This Shimei was the head of one of the Israelite clans that were brought up out of slavery in Egypt and was the father of the Shimeites (see Numbers 3:21; cf. Zechariah 12:13). The clan of Shimei was among those “responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use” (Numbers 3:25–26). Many years later, a descendant of Shimei the Gershonite, a man named Asaph, became King David’s leader of music (1 Chronicles 6:39–43) and wrote many psalms (e.g., Psalm 73). The other Shimei who stands out in the Bible is Shimei son of Gera, who was a part of King Saul’s clan. When King David was forced to flee from his son Absalom, who coveted his father’s throne, Shimei met the king along the way: “As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left” (2 Samuel 16:5–6). Shimei blamed David for King Saul’s death during a battle with the Philistines. Saul had, in fact, fallen on his own sword to escape capture by the enemy (see 1 Chronicles 10:1–4); however, Shimei accused David of murder and announced that this was the reason Absalom was taking over the kingdom. David’s men wanted to kill Shimei then and there, but David, in his despair, believed the Lord had sent Shimei to curse him (2 Samuel 16:11–12), and he refused to allow his men to kill Shimei. David and his party resumed their journey, and Shimei continued to follow, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at them (verse 13). Eventually, Absalom’s rebellion was put down, Absalom was killed, and King David was restored to his throne. Shimei knew that he was now on shaky ground, so he gathered with him over a thousand Benjamites and went to meet David (2Sa 19:16–17). Falling on his face, Shimei apologized for his past behavior and begged the king not to hold it against him (2Sa 19:18–20). Again King David’s men asked to kill Shimei, but again David refused and gave Shimei his oath that he would not kill him. It seems that Shimei was a thoroughly despicable man, however, and that he persisted in his opposition to David. On his deathbed, David charged Solomon with the task of executing Shimei: “Do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood” (1 Kings 2:9). The only reason Shimei was still alive was that David was honoring his oath. Solomon showed Shimei mercy, giving him one final chance: as long as Shimei remained in Jerusalem, he would live (verses 36–37). Shimei agreed to the pact, but three years later he left the city. When King Solomon found out, he called for Shimei and told him, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the Lord will repay you for your wrongdoing” (verse 44). Shimei was then executed (verse 46). GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 2:9 "Now therefore, do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood." BGT 1 Kings 2:9 καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀθῳώσῃς αὐτόν ὅτι ἀνὴρ σοφὸς εἶ σὺ καὶ γνώσῃ ἃ ποιήσεις αὐτῷ καὶ κατάξεις τὴν πολιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐν αἵματι εἰς ᾅδου LXE 1 Kings 2:9 But thou shalt by no means hold him guiltless, for thou art a wise man, and wilt know what thou shalt do to him, and shalt bring down his grey hairs with blood to the grave. KJV 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. NET 1 Kings 2:9 But now don't treat him as if he were innocent. You are a wise man and you know how to handle him; make sure he has a bloody death." CSB 1 Kings 2:9 So don't let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man. You know how to deal with him to bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood." ESV 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol." NIV 1 Kings 2:9 But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood." NLT 1 Kings 2:9 But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him. " NRS 1 Kings 2:9 Therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; you will know what you ought to do to him, and you must bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol." NJB 1 Kings 2:9 But you, you must not let him go unpunished; you are a wise man and will know how to deal with him, to bring his grey head down to Sheol in blood.' NAB 1 Kings 2:9 But you must not let him go unpunished. You are a prudent man and will know how to deal with him to send down his hoary head in blood to the grave." YLT 1 Kings 2:9 and now, acquit him not, for a wise man thou art, and thou hast known that which thou dost to him, and hast brought down his old age with blood to Sheol.' do not let him go unpunished (See Jdg 5:30. 1Sa 2:3. Ps 1:5; 9:18; 38:1; 75:5. Pr 5:16; 24:12, etc.) Ex 20:7 22:28 Job 9:28 wise: 1Ki 3:12,28 his: 1Ki 2:6 Ge 42:38 44:31 with: Nu 32:23 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 19:18-23 Then (AFTER ABSALOM WAS KILLED & DAVID WAS RETURNING TO JERUSALEM) they kept crossing the ford (OF THE JORDAN) to bring over the king’s household, and to do what was good in his sight. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan. 19 So he said to the king, “Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did wrong on the day when my lord the king came out from Jerusalem, so that the king would take it to heart. 20 “For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, “Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?” 22 David then said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be an adversary to me? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?” 23 The king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him. PUNISH SHIMEI Now therefore, do not let him go unpunished, for you are a wise man (cf 1Ki 2:6 - "your wisdom") - Did Shimei deserve punishment for his evil behavior toward David years before (exactly how long before is uncertain but probably more than 10 years earlier)? As the next phrase indicates David is relatively direct regarding his attitude toward Shimei. While one might say he was not overtly revengeful, David certainly was not forgiving and willing to let by gones be by gones as they say. And you will know what you ought to do to him, and you will bring his gray hair down to Sheol with blood - NLT = You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him." Woe! Is there a touch of residual resentment in David's heart? And how do we reconcile David's former oath to not put Shimei to death with the words he speaks to Solomon that seem to be calling for a bloody death?