1 Kings 2:36

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

And the king {H4428} sent {H7971} and called {H7121} for Shimei {H8096}, and said {H559} unto him, Build {H1129} thee an house {H1004} in Jerusalem {H3389}, and dwell {H3427} there, and go not forth {H3318} thence any whither {H575}.

The king summoned Shim'i and said to him, "Build yourself a house in Yerushalayim, and live there; don't go outside the city walls.

Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else.

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.

Commentary

1 Kings 2:36 KJV records a significant command from King Solomon to Shimei, a man who had previously cursed King David. This verse initiates a period of probation for Shimei, marking a pivotal moment in Solomon's consolidation of power.

Context

This command comes early in King Solomon's reign, as he establishes his authority following the death of his father, King David. On his deathbed, David had given Solomon specific instructions regarding certain individuals, including Shimei (see 1 Kings 2:8-9). Shimei, a Benjamite from Bahurim, had openly cursed and thrown stones at David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5-13). While David had sworn not to put Shimei to death at that time, he left it to Solomon's wisdom to deal with him justly. Solomon's action here is a measured response, offering Shimei a chance to live under strict conditions, effectively a form of house arrest in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Justice and Consequences: Solomon's command highlights that past actions, particularly those against the anointed king, have consequences. While not immediate execution, Shimei faces a severe restriction of his freedom for his previous disrespect and rebellion.
  • Royal Authority and Wisdom: King Solomon demonstrates his firm hand and strategic wisdom in dealing with potential threats to his newly established throne. By keeping Shimei confined to Jerusalem, he minimizes any future subversive activities or challenges to his rule.
  • Conditional Obedience: Shimei is given a clear condition for his safety and life: he must remain within Jerusalem. This serves as a test of his loyalty and obedience to the new king's decree.
  • Establishing Order: This act is part of Solomon's broader effort to bring stability and order to the kingdom, ensuring loyalty and dealing with lingering issues from David's tumultuous reign, thereby solidifying his position as the rightful heir.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go not forth thence any whither" (or "go not out from there anywhere") emphasizes the absolute and unambiguous nature of Solomon's command. It signifies a complete restriction of movement outside the city of Jerusalem. There is no room for interpretation; Shimei's life depends on strict adherence to this geographical boundary.

Practical Application

The account of Shimei and Solomon offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Accountability for Actions: Even if justice seems delayed, the Bible often shows that individuals are ultimately held accountable for their words and deeds. Our actions have repercussions, whether immediate or in the long term.
  • Importance of Boundaries: Just as Solomon set clear boundaries for Shimei, God often establishes clear parameters for His people. Obedience within these boundaries leads to blessing, safety, and a life pleasing to Him.
  • Obedience to Authority: The narrative underscores the importance of respecting and obeying lawful authority, whether governmental or spiritual. Disobedience, as Shimei's eventual fate shows, can lead to severe repercussions. Shimei's later violation of this command, detailed in 1 Kings 2:42-46, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking established rules.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:8

    And, behold, [thou hast] with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 16:5

    ¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

  • 2 Samuel 16:9

    Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

  • Proverbs 20:8

    ¶ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

  • 2 Samuel 14:28

    ¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

  • 1 Kings 1:53

    So king Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon said unto him, Go to thine house.
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