1 Kings 2:39

KJV

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of three {H7969} years {H8141}, that two {H8147} of the servants {H5650} of Shimei {H8096} ran away {H1272} unto Achish {H397} son {H1121} of Maachah {H4601} king {H4428} of Gath {H1661}. And they told {H5046} Shimei {H8096}, saying {H559}, Behold, thy servants {H5650} be in Gath {H1661}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after three years, two of Shim'i's slaves ran away and went to Akhish son of Ma'akhah, king of Gat. They told Shim'i, "Your slaves are in Gat."

Berean Standard Bible

After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants are in Gath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 2:39 marks a critical turning point in the narrative of Shimei, a figure under strict royal injunction from King Solomon. After three years of apparent compliance with the decree to remain within Jerusalem, Shimei's two servants flee to Gath, a Philistine city. This seemingly mundane event becomes the immediate catalyst that forces Shimei to choose between recovering his property and violating the solemn oath he swore to Solomon, setting in motion the final act of his judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of King David's death and King Solomon's consolidation of power. Solomon, following David's final instructions in [1 Kings 2:5-9](/1_kings/2-5 "1 Kings 2:5-9 - David's Final Instructions to Solomon"), is systematically dealing with potential threats to his nascent reign. Shimei, who had previously cursed David during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 16:5](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5 - Shimei Curses David")), was spared immediate execution by Solomon but placed under a severe restriction: he was confined to Jerusalem and forbidden from crossing the Kidron Valley, with death as the penalty for transgression ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Injunction to Shimei")). Verse 39 initiates the climax of Shimei's story, revealing the circumstances that lead to his fateful decision and ultimate demise in [1 Kings 2:46](/1_kings/2-46 "1 Kings 2:46 - Shimei's Execution").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Oaths and covenants held immense legal and social weight in the ancient Near East. Breaking a sworn oath, especially one made to a king, was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death, as it undermined royal authority and the very fabric of societal order. The Kidron Valley served as a natural boundary east of Jerusalem, symbolizing the strict limits placed upon Shimei. Gath, a prominent Philistine city, represented enemy territory, a place where an Israelite, particularly one under royal watch, had no legitimate business. The flight of servants was a common problem in the ancient world, often leading masters to pursue them, but for Shimei, this common occurrence was complicated by his unique, life-or-death restriction.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding Shimei in [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon Consolidates His Reign") contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores the **consolidation of Solomon's kingdom** and his decisive, often ruthless, establishment of authority, fulfilling David's charge to deal with those who opposed his father. Secondly, it highlights the **sacredness and consequences of oaths and covenants**, demonstrating that a solemn promise, once made, carried binding implications, as seen in Shimei's own acknowledgment of his oath in [1 Kings 2:42](/1_kings/2-42 "1 Kings 2:42 - Shimei's Acknowledgment of His Oath"). Thirdly, the passage illustrates the **principle of divine justice and retribution**, as Shimei's past disloyalty to David is finally brought to account, albeit through a seemingly mundane event that serves as a test of his current obedience. The "three years" also introduces a theme of **probation and opportunity**, during which Shimei had every chance to demonstrate loyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Three years (שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים, _shalosh shanim_):** This specific duration is not arbitrary; it signifies a period of probation and observation. Solomon did not immediately execute Shimei but gave him ample time to demonstrate his loyalty and commitment to the oath. This period highlights Solomon's measured approach to justice, offering a grace period before the inevitable consequences of disobedience.
* **Ran away (נָס, _nas_):** The Hebrew verb implies fleeing or escaping, suggesting a deliberate act of desertion by the servants. This act, while seemingly minor in itself, serves as the critical inciting incident. It underscores the external pressure that forces Shimei's hand, creating a dilemma that tests his commitment to the king's command.
* **Gath (גַּת, _gat_):** As a major Philistine city, Gath was historically a stronghold of Israel's enemies (e.g., Goliath was from Gath in [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")). For Shimei to travel there was not merely crossing a geographical boundary but entering hostile territory, a place explicitly forbidden by Solomon's decree, thereby emphasizing the severity of his violation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the end of three years":** This phrase establishes a significant temporal marker. The "three years" is a period of grace or probation granted by Solomon, during which Shimei was expected to demonstrate his fidelity to the king's command. It implies that Shimei had been living under the injunction for a considerable time, making his subsequent transgression all the more deliberate.
* **"that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath":** This is the inciting incident. The flight of the servants to Gath creates the immediate dilemma for Shimei. Gath, a Philistine city, represents a forbidden zone for Shimei, and the reference to "Achish son of Maachah king of Gath" adds a specific, historical detail, connecting this event to a known Philistine ruler.
* **"And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath":** This clause confirms that Shimei was fully informed of his servants' whereabouts. He was not acting out of ignorance but with full knowledge of the situation. The direct report ("Behold, thy servants [be] in Gath") leaves no room for ambiguity, compelling Shimei to make a conscious decision regarding his oath.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 2:39 effectively employs several literary devices. There is clear **Foreshadowing**, as the flight of the servants to Gath immediately sets the stage for Shimei's inevitable breach of his oath and subsequent judgment. The event itself acts as a **Catalyst**, the specific trigger that precipitates the climax of Shimei's story and the fulfillment of Solomon's (and David's) judgment. The situation also presents a profound **Test** of Shimei's obedience and loyalty; the three-year period was a probationary phase, and the servants' flight provided the ultimate challenge to his commitment. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in that Shimei, who once cursed the king, now finds himself ensnared by the very authority he defied, his own oath becoming the instrument of his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Shimei's downfall, triggered by the events of 1 Kings 2:39, powerfully illustrates the gravity of oaths and the inevitable consequences of disobedience to divinely appointed authority. It underscores that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain, and that even seemingly minor transgressions can have profound repercussions when they involve a breach of trust or covenant. Shimei's story serves as a stark reminder that true loyalty is demonstrated not just in times of ease but especially when personal convenience clashes with sworn commitments.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Oaths")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Who Keep Their Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Shimei in 1 Kings 2:39 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach our commitments, whether they are vows made to God, promises to others, or even adherence to the principles of integrity in our daily lives. Shimei's choice to prioritize his property over his sworn oath, despite the clear and dire consequences, serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that our character is often revealed not in grand declarations but in the seemingly small decisions we make when personal desires conflict with established boundaries or our word. We are called to cultivate a spirit of obedience and faithfulness, understanding that even minor deviations from truth and integrity can lead to significant spiritual and practical repercussions, ultimately undermining our trust with God and others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oaths" or commitments have I made—to God, family, or community—that I might be tempted to compromise for personal gain or convenience?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be underestimating the cumulative impact of small acts of disobedience or compromise?**
* **How does Shimei's three-year probation period encourage me to view periods of testing or waiting in my own life? What is God seeking to reveal or cultivate in me during such times?**
* **How can I strengthen my resolve to honor my word and commitments, even when it is costly or inconvenient?**

### FAQ

**Why did Shimei's servants run away to Gath specifically?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why the servants ran to Gath, but several factors could be at play. Gath was a prominent Philistine city, a known refuge for those fleeing Israelite authority (e.g., David himself sought refuge there in [1 Samuel 27:2](/1_samuel/27-2 "1 Samuel 27:2 - David's Flight to Gath")). It was outside Solomon's immediate jurisdiction, offering a sense of safety for runaway slaves. Furthermore, the Philistines were often at odds with Israel, and offering refuge to runaways could have been a subtle act of defiance or a way to gain intelligence. The specific mention of "Achish son of Maachah king of Gath" highlights the political context and the deliberate nature of their flight to a known foreign power.

**What is the significance of the "three years" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "three years" represents a period of probation or grace granted by King Solomon to Shimei. After Solomon's initial charge and Shimei's oath in [1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Charge to Shimei"), Shimei seemingly abided by the restriction for this duration. This period serves to underscore that Shimei's eventual transgression was not a hasty mistake but a deliberate choice after a prolonged opportunity to demonstrate loyalty. It highlights Solomon's measured justice and the fact that Shimei had ample time to consider the gravity of his oath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 2:39 details Shimei's failure to keep his oath, leading to his demise, it powerfully contrasts with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Shimei, driven by personal interest, violated a human king's command and a solemn oath, resulting in death. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David and the ultimate King, perfectly fulfilled every divine command and covenant. He did not seek His own will but the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father's Will")), demonstrating unwavering obedience even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Unlike Shimei, who broke a conditional covenant, Christ established a new and better covenant through His shed blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")), securing eternal life for those who trust in His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. Shimei's story, therefore, serves as a shadow, pointing to the absolute necessity and glorious reality of Christ's flawless obedience, which alone provides the path to true life and freedom from the consequences of our own covenant-breaking.

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 Samuel 27:2

And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that [were] with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

1 Samuel 27:3

And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

1 Samuel 21:10

¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.