1 Reis 2

1 Reis 2

Vernon McGee - Solomon wanted Shimei to be where he could keep his eye on him. Wherever Shimei went, he sowed seeds of rebellion. Solomon wanted to watch his every move. (See Thru the Bible Vol. 13: History of Israel 1 and 2 Kings) Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - No doubt Solomon suspected that Shimei's influence would be dangerous upon his own estate and among his numerous dependents in different parts of the land; and therefore he proposed to him, as the condition of his indemnity for former crimes, that he should live in Jerusalem under his eye, and by no means remove thence. These terms Shimei readily agreed to, and solemnly swore to observe them; and for three years he lived unmolested and in affluence. But growing secure, in contempt of Solomon's authority and of the oath of God, upon an unnecessary business he took a journey, which according to his own engagement forfeited his life. Thus the Lord left him to be infatuated, that due punishment might be inflicted upon him; in order that every ringleader of opposition to Solomon's kingdom might be crushed, and others be intimidated by their examples. Solomon's throne by the death of this man was established in peace, and became a type of the Redeemer's kingdom of peace and righteousness.--SCOTT. QUESTION - Who was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org 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 (2 Samuel 19:16–17). Falling on his face, Shimei apologized for his past behavior and begged the king not to hold it against him (verses 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). 1 Kings 2:37 "For on the day you go out and cross over the brook Kidron, you will know for certain that you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head." over the brook Kidron: 1Ki 15:13 2Sa 15:23 2Ki 23:6 2Ch 29:16 Jer 31:40 Joh 18:1, Cedron your blood shall be on your own head.: 1Ki 2:31,33 Lev 20:9 Jos 2:19 2Sa 1:16 Eze 18:13 SOLOMON'S STRICT SPECIFICATION For on the day you go out and cross over the brook Kidron, you will know for certain that you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head - For (term of explanation) explains the gravity of venturing "out of bounds" (so to speak). If he crossed the Kidron line he would invoking his own death penalty (blood shall be on your own head). The brook Kidron marked a boundary in both a physical and spiritual sense. because crossing it would symbolize stepping out from under submission to Solomon. From a practical standpoint, Solomon's exacting restriction kept Shimei from returning to his home across the brook Kidron in the territory of Benjamin and kept him under his surveillance. Solomon's strictness also ensured that potential threats, like Shimei, were neutralized. Any sign of leniency could embolden others to challenge his rule. Furthermore, by holding Shimei accountable, Solomon demonstrated that disloyalty and rebellion would not be tolerated. Finally, as a new king, Solomon needed to establish a reputation for firm governance and thus his strictness served as a warning to others that disobedience and betrayal would have consequences. His warning to Shimei highlights a principle of conditional mercy—those who abide by the terms of mercy can enjoy peace, but deliberate rebellion invites judgment. 1 Kings 2:38 Shimei then said to the king, "The word is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. The word: 1Ki 20:4 2Ki 20:19 SHIMEI GIVES HIS WORD TO OBEY SOLOMON Shimei then said to the king, "The word is good - In light of Joab's execution and Abiathar's dismissal as priest, Shimei probably thought it was good because it was not more severe. Shimei knew that his previous words and actions against Solomon's father, King David, were in the area of behavior that might be considered treasonous which in that day often warranted the death penalty. It was also good because Shimei surely recognized Solomon's gift of mercy and the opportunity to preserve his life. Furthermore, it was good because it was not an onerous restriction, and it left the outcome within Shimei's control. Staying in Jerusalem, where he could enjoy relative safety and security, was a small price to pay for his life being spared. To call Solomon's word "good" would also reflect Shimei's recognition and acceptance of Solomon's authority. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days - Shimei's acknowledgement of Solomon as "my lord" demonstrate his recognition of Solomon's authority as king. Shimei's response also indicates that he understood his subordinate position and the consequences of disobedience. And by calling himself Solomon’s servant, Shimei acknowledges the king’s power to show mercy or enforce judgment. Of course one would hardly expect Shimei to say anything other than that he would do as Solomon required, but as time passes either Shimei's subsequent acts prove he was not sincere. I am reminded of the response of the children of Israel when Moses came down from Mount Sinai and spoke the words and ordinances of the LORD to the people "and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do!"" (Exodus 24:3+) Like Shimei, Israel failed to recognize or acknowledge the power of their fallen flesh to carry out the ordinances of the Lord. THOUGHT - Cannot we all at times identify with Shimei and Israel? How many times have we told the Lord, I'll never commit that sin again? That's rhetorical question of course! As believers we will continue to battle the fallen flesh until the day of our last breath (1Ti 6:12+, cf 1Pe 2:11b+). The only way to walk in victory against our powerful internal enemy is to continually walk by God's Spirit and then we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. (Gal 5:16+, Ro 8:13+, Col 3:5+). Notice Paul did not say we would not have the desires of the flesh, but just that we would not act on them. Having the desire or temptation is not sin, but it becomes sin when we act on it (James 1:13-15+). 1 Kings 2:39 But it came about at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, "Behold, your servants are in Gath." Achish: 1Sa 21:10 27:2,3 SHIMEI'S TEXT AFTER 3 YEARS But it came about at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, "Behold, your servants are in Gath 1 Kings 2:40 Then Shimei arose and saddled his donkey, and went to Gath to Achish to look for his servants. And Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. arose: Pr 15:27 Lu 12:15 1Ti 6:10 ESV Global Study Bible map with Gath SHIMEI'S SUBTERFUGE SLIPPING AWAY FOR SLAVES Then Shimei arose and saddled his donkey - Shimei's decision may reflect a low view of Solomon's authority or a high view of ability to fool Solomon! He surely remembered the oath to God and promise to obey Solomon's command. And went to Gath to Achish to look for his servants. And Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath - Gath was about 20-25 miles from Jerusalem slightly to the south, but mainly to the west (see map above - Jerusalem not on map but Bethlehem would be the approximate location). Achish of course is the name of the Philistine leader based in Gath, a city in the territory of the Philistines. Given the location of Gath toward the west and the Kidron Valley to the east, theoretically Shimei would not have needed to cross the Kidron Valley to travel to Gath. The point is that Shimei may have foolishly reasoned he would not violate the letter of the law of Solomons' order. However, Shimei made a serious miscalculation when he violated the spirit of the order, for Solomon had stated "do not go out from there to any place." (1Ki 2:37) Basically Solomon was describing a variation of "house arrest." It is clear that Solomon did not want Shimei leaving the city in any direction. Paul House writes "By breaking his oath to God and to Solomon, the old curser of David has cursed himself." (New American Commentary) Wikipedia on location of Kidron Valley - Kidron Valley (classical transliteration, Cedron, from Hebrew: נחל קדרון, Naḥal Qidron, literally Qidron River; also Qidron Valley)[1][2][3][4] is the modern name of the valley originating slightly northeast of the Old City of Jerusalem, which then separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives, and ending at the Dead Sea. Beyond Jerusalem it continues in a general south-easterly direction through the Judean desert in the West Bank, reaching the Dead Sea near the settlement of Ovnat, and descending 4,000 feet (1,200 m) along its 20-mile (32 km) course. QUESTION - What is the significance of Gath in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Gath, along with Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron, is one of five major cities belonging to the Philistines before Israel conquered them (Joshua 13:3, 1 Samuel 5:7–10; 6:17). The word Gath means “winepress.” Although scholars are not certain of its exact location, Gath was situated somewhere on the border between Judah and Philistia (1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Chronicles 18:1). (CLICK FOR FULL ARTICLE) 1 Kings 2:41 It was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and had returned. SOLOMON MADE AWARE OF SHIMEI'S ROUND TRIP TO GATH It was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and had returned - Clearly Solomon made sure every move of Shimei was monitored. The implication is that Solomon had spies watching Shimei for 3 years! Keil - “If Shimei had wished to remain faithful to his oath, he might have informed the king of the flight of his slaves, have entreated the king that they be brought back, and have awaited his decision.” 1 Kings 2:42 So the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, "Did I not make you swear by the LORD and solemnly warn you, saying, 'You will know for certain that on the day you depart and go anywhere, you shall surely die'? And you said to me, 'The word which I have heard is good.' Did I not: 1Ki 2:36-38 Ps 15:4 Lu 19:22 And you said to me: Lu 15:22 SOLOMON RECALLS HIS WARNING AND SHIMEI'S OATH So - Term of conclusion, based on the previous passages describing Shimei's passage out of the city Solomon reminds Shimei of his oath by the LORD. The king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, "Did I not make you swear by the LORD and solemnly warn you, saying, 'You will know for certain that on the day you depart and go anywhere, you shall surely die'? And you said to me, 'The word which I have heard is good - Solomon makes sure that Shimei heard the message. Notice that here Solomon does not mention crossing the Kidron Valley but emphasizes the restriction was that he was not to go anywhere, presumably anywhere outside of the city of Jerusalem. 1 Kings 2:43 "Why then have you not kept the oath of the LORD, and the command which I have laid on you?" Why then have you not kept the oath of the LORD: 2Sa 21:2 Eze 17:18,19 commandment: 2Ch 30:12 Ec 8:2 Ro 13:5 SHIMEI'S DISOBEDIENCE TO YAHWEH AND SOLOMON Why then have you not kept the oath of the LORD, and the command which I have laid on you - Note that Shimei's disobedience is "vertical" (to the LORD) and "horizontal," (Solomon). Solomon's question emphasizes that Shimei's disobedience was willful and deliberate and not accidental, leaving him without any excuse. Shimei had sworn by the LORD, making his promise sacred and binding and breaking such an oath was not merely a personal failure but a spiritual offense against God. By disregarding Solomon’s explicit order, Shimei showed disrespect for the king’s authority and willfully disobeyed a direct command. 1 Kings 2:44 The king also said to Shimei, "You know all the evil which you acknowledge in your heart, which you did to my father David; therefore the LORD shall return your evil on your own head. You know: 2Sa 16:5-13 Joh 8:9 Ro 2:15 1Jn 3:20 return: 1Ki 2:32,33 Ps 7:16 Pr 5:22 Eze 17:19 Ho 4:9 Related Passages: Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. Exodus 34:6-7+ Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; 7 Who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” SOLOMON CONFRONTS SHIMEI WITH HIS SIN The king also said to Shimei, "You know all the evil which you acknowledge in your heart, which you did to my father David; therefore the LORD shall return your evil on your own head - Shimei had a fatal heart disease! He knew the evil that was in his heart and there was never even a suggestion that he confessed, repented and sought mercy for his evil words and actions against David. Thus the phrase "you acknowledge in your heart" reminds us that unrepented guilt weighs heavily on the conscience, even when outward appearances suggest otherwise. THOUGHT - Shimei is a hard lesson for all of us because his life illustrates that evil actions have adverse consequences (Gal 6:7-8+), even if they seem delayed (Nu 32:23+). Shimei’s earlier sins against David eventually caught up with him, illustrating that wrongdoing often brings its own judgment. 1 Kings 2:45 "But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD forever." blessed: Ps 21:6 72:17 the throne: 1Ki 2:24,33,34 Pr 25:5 Isa 9:6,7 SOLOMON'S SELF BLESSING AND CONFIRMATION OF DAVIDIC COVENANT But - Contrast with the evil that would soon befall Shimei. King Solomon shall be blessed Solomon declares that God’s blessing will be upon him as a result of his faithfulness in executing justice and upholding God’s covenant. And the throne of David shall be established before the LORD forever This statement reflects the covenant God made with David in 2 Samuel 7:12–16, especially 2Sa 7:16 where God promised David "Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” God promised that David’s dynasty would endure perpetually and Solomon reaffirms that his actions are in alignment with ensuring God's covenant promise would be fulfilled. This highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, ensuring the continuation of David’s lineage through Solomon. QUESTION - What is the Davidic covenant? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience. The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore.” God then promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12–13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.” But then the promise continues and expands: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (verse 13), and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (verse 16). What began as a promise that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different—the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9. The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom,” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel. Other references to the Davidic Covenant are found in Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7. 1 Kings 2:46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and fell upon him so that he died. Thus the kingdom was established in the hands of Solomon. the kingdom: 1Ki 2:12,45 2Ch 1:1 Pr 29:4 Related Passages: 1 Kings 2:12 And Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established. SHIMEI'S DEATH FULFILLS DAVID'S PROPHECY So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and fell upon him so that he died - Shimei's curses of David (2Sa 16:5-13) came back like a boomerang as curses on his own head! Be careful cursing others beloved! Shimei's execution was in effect a fulfillment of the words of David before he died (note words in bold which are essentially a prophecy from David)... “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.’ 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.”(1 Kings 2:8-9+) Thus the kingdom was established in the hands of Solomon - Three executions mark the firm establishment of Solomon's kingdom THOUGHT - Old John