Notice David doesn't just remember Shimei's curse; he specifically recalls the promise he made to spare his life. This highlights David's integrity, even when faced with a treacherous individual, showing he's bound by his word, even to an enemy.
And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
David, nearing the end of his life, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon. He's laying out a roadmap for Solomon's reign, including how to deal with key people and lingering issues from David's own time on the throne. This verse highlights a specific grievance David has against Shimei, reminding Solomon of a deep personal insult and a promise David made regarding his fate.
Even kings have to deal with the consequences of past actions. David, on his deathbed, recalls a promise made under duress.
David is passing the throne to Solomon, but he's not just handing over power. He's handing over responsibilities, including settling accounts. Shimei's curse was a moment of deep humiliation for David, a public denouncement during a time of crisis when he was fleeing his own son, Absalom. David, in a moment of desperation, swore an oath to Shimei that he would spare his life. Now, David instructs Solomon to handle Shimei, not necessarily with immediate vengeance, but with careful judgment. This highlights that God's people are called to live with integrity, honoring oaths even when it's difficult, and passing on the wisdom to navigate complex situations.
An oath sworn by God is not to be taken lightly, even by a king. David's solemn promise has lasting implications.
David's oath, 'I will not put you to death with the sword,' sworn 'by the LORD,' carries immense weight. In ancient Israel, swearing by the LORD meant invoking God Himself as a witness and guarantor of the promise. To break such an oath would be to invoke God’s displeasure. David’s instruction to Solomon isn't to immediately execute Shimei, but to deal with him wisely, acknowledging the oath. This teaches us about the sanctity of promises and oaths. Our words, especially those made solemnly, have consequences, and we are accountable for them before God. It underscores a theology of covenant and faithfulness that permeated Israelite society.
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, holiness, and redemptive relationship with Israel.
This verse shows the weight of past events and promises on the cusp of a new reign. David's instructions to Solomon aren't just about settling old scores, but about navigating justice, mercy, and the implications of divine oaths in a changing political landscape.
c. 992 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
Absalom's rebellion forces King David to flee Jerusalem, a moment of deep national crisis and humiliation.
c. 992 BC— this verse
Shimei Curses David
As David flees, Shimei the Benjaminite publicly curses and throws stones at him, an act of extreme disrespect and political opportunism.
c. 992 BC
David Swears Not to Kill Shimei
When Shimei later meets David near the Jordan River, David's men want to kill him, but David, remembering his oath, spares him.
c. 972 BC
David's Deathbed
Near the end of his long reign, an aging David gives his son Solomon final instructions.
c. 972 BC
Solomon's Instructions
David tells Solomon to deal with Shimei, reminding him of the oath but also urging him to bring the curse down upon his own head.
This passage describes Shimei's actual cursing of David as David fled from Absalom, setting the stage for David's oath and forgiveness mentioned in 1 Kings 2:8.
2 Samuel 19:16-23Here, Shimei begs for forgiveness from David after his return, reaffirming the oath David made and his graciousness in sparing Shimei's life.
1 Kings 2:36-46This passage details Solomon carrying out the execution of Shimei, fulfilling the unresolved tension from 1 Kings 2:8 and showing the consequences of disregarding oaths and boundaries.
Proverbs 16:32This proverb about self-control and ruling one's spirit offers a broader wisdom context to David's past restraint and Solomon's later actions, emphasizing the difficulty and virtue of patience.
Notice David doesn't just remember Shimei's curse; he specifically recalls the promise he made to spare his life. This highlights David's integrity, even when faced with a treacherous individual, showing he's bound by his word, even to an enemy.
David, nearing the end of his life, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon. He's laying out a roadmap for Solomon's reign, including how to deal with key people and lingering issues from David's own time on the throne. This verse highlights a specific grievance David has against Shimei, reminding Solomon of a deep personal insult and a promise David made regarding his fate.
David, nearing the end of his life, is giving his final instructions to his son Solomon. He's laying out a roadmap for Solomon's reign, including how to deal with key people and lingering issues from David's own time on the throne. This verse highlights a specific grievance David has against Shimei, reminding Solomon of a deep personal insult and a promise David made regarding his fate.
"And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I…" — Notice David doesn't just remember Shimei's curse; he specifically recalls the promise he made to spare his life. This highlights David's integrity, even when faced with a treacherous individual, s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
