1 Kings 2:38

KJV

And Shimei said unto the king, The saying [is] good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shimei {H8096} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, The saying {H1697} is good {H2896}: as my lord {H113} the king {H4428} hath said {H1696}, so will thy servant {H5650} do {H6213}. And Shimei {H8096} dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389} many {H7227} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim'i answered the king, "What you have said is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do." So Shim'i lived in Yerushalayim for a long time.

Berean Standard Bible

“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

American Standard Version

And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 2:38 records Shimei's immediate and seemingly compliant acceptance of King Solomon's strict decree, which confined him to Jerusalem under penalty of death. This pivotal moment occurs early in Solomon's reign, showcasing his decisive and methodical approach to securing his nascent kingdom and fulfilling the weighty instructions left by his father, King David. Shimei's verbal submission, coupled with his initial adherence, sets the stage for a critical test of loyalty and obedience that will ultimately determine his fate and further underscore the unwavering authority of the new monarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the broader narrative of King Solomon's consolidation of power at the very outset of his reign. It directly follows Solomon's explicit and severe decree to Shimei, which confines him to Jerusalem and strictly forbids him from crossing the Kidron Valley, with the dire consequence of death for disobedience ([1 Kings 2:36-37](/1_kings/2-36-37 "Solomon's Strict Decree to Shimei")). This decree, in turn, is a direct and calculated fulfillment of King David's dying charge to Solomon concerning Shimei's past treachery during Absalom's rebellion ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8-9 "David's Final Instructions Regarding Shimei")). Shimei's apparent compliance in this verse establishes the critical baseline for his eventual transgression and execution, which is meticulously detailed in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 2:39-46](/1_kings/2-39-46 "Shimei's Disobedience and Execution")), thereby completing Solomon's systematic elimination of potential threats to his throne, alongside figures like Adonijah and Joab, ensuring the stability of his rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern world, the king's word held supreme authority, functioning as law, and oaths of loyalty were binding covenants, often carrying capital consequences for their violation. The Kidron Valley, a natural ravine situated to the east of Jerusalem, served not only as a geographical marker but also as a potent symbolic boundary. Crossing it could signify leaving the protective sphere of the city and the king's direct oversight, or even an act of ritual defilement, as it was a place where cultic impurities and refuse were sometimes disposed of. Shimei's background as a Benjaminite, from the tribe of King Saul, and his previous act of cursing King David during a moment of profound vulnerability ([2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5-8 "Shimei Curses David During Absalom's Rebellion")), marked him as a figure of known disloyalty and potential sedition. Solomon's decree, therefore, was not merely a punitive measure but a deliberate test of allegiance, offering Shimei a chance to live under strictly defined terms while simultaneously providing a clear and justifiable basis for future judgment should those terms be violated. This methodical approach underscored the absolute nature of royal authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Solomon's Authority** and his decisive establishment of control over the nascent kingdom. By issuing such a strict mandate and securing Shimei's public agreement, Solomon demonstrates his unwavering resolve to maintain order and uphold the principles of justice inherited from his father, King David, as he consolidates his reign (see [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "Solomon's Consolidation of Power")). It also highlights the theme of **Obedience and Consequences**, as Shimei's verbal submission immediately sets up a direct and inescapable link between his future actions and his very life. His initial compliance, while seemingly positive, ultimately serves to heighten the gravity of his eventual disobedience. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly addresses the theme of **Justice and Accountability**, illustrating that past wrongs, even those seemingly overlooked or deferred, can eventually demand a reckoning, ensuring that the new king's reign is founded on firm principles of righteousness and stability, securing the throne for generations (compare with the promises in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "God's Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb_):** Shimei's declaration, "The saying is good," employs a common Hebrew adjective that signifies something as "pleasing," "right," "fitting," or "acceptable." In this specific context, it conveys Shimei's acknowledgment that the king's decree is reasonable, legitimate, or at the very least, unchallengeable from his perspective. It represents a pragmatic acceptance of the terms, rather than necessarily an enthusiastic endorsement, indicating a public display of agreement.
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn_):** This term, used by Shimei as "my lord," is derived from a root meaning "to rule" and denotes a "sovereign," "controller," "master," or "owner." It is a standard and highly deferential form of address when speaking to a king, emphasizing the speaker's subordinate status and humble submission. Shimei's use of this title underscores his outward posture of loyalty and obedience, aligning himself verbally with the king's supreme will.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab_):** The verb "dwelt" implies a settled residence or habitation over a sustained period, rather than a mere temporary stay. The phrase "dwelt in Jerusalem many days" indicates that Shimei genuinely took up residence in the city and initially complied with the terms of his confinement. This establishes a period of apparent peace and adherence, subtly foreshadowing that this period will not be indefinite and setting the stage for his eventual transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shimei said unto the king, The saying [is] good:"**: This initial clause captures Shimei's immediate verbal response to Solomon's decree. His acknowledgment that the "saying is good" indicates either a genuine acceptance of the terms as just and reasonable, or a shrewd, self-preservational agreement designed to avoid immediate conflict with the powerful new king. Regardless of his internal disposition, it signifies his public and explicit consent to the conditions laid upon him.
* **"as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do."**: This is a formal and solemn declaration of obedience, a verbal oath of allegiance. Shimei pledges his full compliance, committing himself to abide by the king's specific instructions. This profound commitment places him directly under Solomon's absolute authority and establishes the clear terms of his continued existence and freedom from immediate punishment.
* **"And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days."**: This concluding clause serves as a crucial narrative bridge, confirming Shimei's initial adherence to the decree and indicating the passage of a significant period of time during which he remained confined to Jerusalem. The phrase "many days" subtly foreshadows that this period of compliance will not be indefinite, setting the stage for his eventual failure to uphold his oath and the inevitable consequences that will follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that deepen its meaning and narrative tension. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present in the phrase "many days," which hints that Shimei's period of compliance will not be everlasting, thereby preparing the reader for his eventual transgression and the judgment that will inevitably follow. There is a strong element of **Irony** in Shimei's solemn declaration, "as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do," given his ultimate and documented failure to keep this very promise later in the chapter. This highlights the deceptive nature of outward submission when true, heart-level loyalty is absent. Furthermore, the narrative creates a stark **Contrast** between Shimei's past rebellious actions against King David, where he openly cursed the king ([2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5-8 "Shimei Curses David")), and his current, outwardly submissive posture before Solomon. This contrast powerfully underscores the significant shift in power dynamics and the firm, unwavering control exerted by the new monarch, who is systematically addressing lingering threats to the stability of his throne.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly simple in its description of an agreement, carries profound theological weight, touching on themes of divine justice, the nature of human obedience, and the inevitable consequences of broken covenants and unaddressed sin. God's sovereignty is subtly yet powerfully at play, as He works through Solomon to establish a stable and righteous kingdom, even if through severe and decisive means. Shimei's story serves as a stark reminder that words matter, and oaths made before legitimate authority, whether human or divine, carry immense weight and are expected to be upheld. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine obedience is not merely verbal assent or temporary compliance but sustained faithfulness rooted in the heart. The narrative demonstrates that past actions, even if seemingly forgiven or deferred, can eventually demand a reckoning in God's perfect timing and plan. This passage highlights the tension between a period of conditional grace and the eventual demand for accountability, demonstrating that while God is merciful, He is also perfectly just and righteous in His judgments.

* [2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5-8 "Shimei Curses David During Absalom's Retreat")
* [1 Kings 2:36-37](/1_kings/2-36-37 "Solomon's Command to Shimei")
* [1 Kings 2:39-46](/1_kings/2-39-46 "Shimei's Violation and Execution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shimei's initial, seemingly compliant response to Solomon's decree, followed by his eventual failure to adhere to its terms, offers a powerful and enduring lesson on the nature of true obedience and integrity. It reveals that it is not enough to merely give verbal assent or to make a solemn promise; genuine faithfulness requires sustained adherence to our commitments, especially those made before God or legitimate human authority. This passage challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity of our own "yeses"—do our actions consistently align with our words, or are we prone to outward compliance while inwardly harboring resistance, resentment, or self-serving intentions? The narrative reminds us that while grace may offer a new beginning and a period of testing, past patterns of disobedience, if unaddressed at the heart level, can resurface and lead to inevitable, often painful, consequences. It calls us to a life of genuine submission, understanding that God sees beyond our outward performance to the true condition and intentions of our hearts, urging us to cultivate an integrity that is consistent and enduring.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my verbal commitments and oaths, both to God and to others, recognizing that integrity is a cornerstone of a faithful life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be outwardly compliant but inwardly resistant or resentful towards God's revealed will or legitimate authority He has placed over me?**
* **What past actions or patterns of disobedience, if any, might still require genuine repentance, restitution, or a fundamental change of heart, even if they seem to have been forgotten or overlooked by others?**
* **How does Shimei's story challenge and deepen my understanding of the relationship between God's boundless grace, human responsibility, and the inevitable consequences of our choices?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon not execute Shimei immediately, as David had implied?**

Answer: David's instruction to Solomon concerning Shimei ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8-9 "David's Charge Concerning Shimei")) was not an immediate command for execution but rather a charge to ensure that Shimei's past treachery would not ultimately go unpunished. David left the timing and method to Solomon's wisdom and discretion. Solomon's approach demonstrates a desire for justice tempered with an initial opportunity for Shimei to prove his loyalty. By confining Shimei to Jerusalem under a clear, explicit prohibition, Solomon established a test. This allowed Shimei to live under a conditional grace period, but also ensured that any future transgression would be a direct, undeniable act of rebellion against the king's explicit command, providing a clear and public justification for his ultimate punishment. This methodical and deliberate approach solidified Solomon's authority and demonstrated his commitment to establishing a just and stable kingdom.

**What was the significance of the Kidron Valley as a boundary for Shimei?**

Answer: The Kidron Valley, a natural ravine bordering Jerusalem to the east, served as a highly significant geographical and symbolic boundary. For Shimei, it represented a clear, tangible line drawn by the king; crossing it would be an unambiguous act of disobedience and defiance. Symbolically, the Kidron Valley was often associated with death, judgment, and defilement in biblical thought. It was a place where cultic impurities and even the ashes of idols were sometimes disposed of (e.g., [2 Kings 23:4-6](/2_kings/23-4-6 "Josiah Destroys Idols in Kidron Valley")). Remaining within Jerusalem, the holy city and seat of the king, signified being under the king's direct protection and authority. Therefore, leaving Jerusalem and crossing the Kidron Valley was not merely a geographical movement but a symbolic breaking of the covenant of loyalty and a direct defiance of the king's explicit terms, making Shimei's eventual transgression all the more grave and inexcusable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Shimei's conditional obedience and ultimate failure in [1 Kings 2:38-46](/1_kings/2-38-46 "Shimei's Oath and Execution") powerfully foreshadows the universal human inability to perfectly keep covenants, even when given clear terms and a measure of grace. Shimei's outward submission, which ultimately proved superficial and self-serving, stands in stark contrast to the perfect, genuine, and unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. As the true King of Kings and ultimate Son of David, Jesus did not merely give verbal assent to the Father's will; He perfectly embodied it, living a life of complete faithfulness and submission, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Unlike Shimei, whose past rebellion and inherent treachery ultimately caught up with him, Jesus, though innocent, bore the full weight of humanity's rebellion and broken covenants, offering Himself as the ultimate, spotless sacrifice for sin ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering Servant Takes Our Sins")). Through His atoning work, Jesus establishes a new covenant, not based on flawed human performance or outward compliance, but on His perfect righteousness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling His followers to live lives of true, Spirit-empowered obedience from the heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant: God's Law on Hearts") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The New Covenant: God's Law Written on Hearts")). While Shimei faced judgment for his treachery and disobedience, Christ offers forgiveness and true reconciliation, inviting all to enter His eternal kingdom where genuine peace and perfect justice reign, secured not by human decrees or conditional agreements but by His finished work on the cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 20:4

And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I [am] thine, and all that I have.

2 Kings 20:19

Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not [good], if peace and truth be in my days?