1 Kings 2:40

KJV

And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shimei {H8096} arose {H6965}, and saddled {H2280} his ass {H2543}, and went {H3212} to Gath {H1661} to Achish {H397} to seek {H1245} his servants {H5650}: and Shimei {H8096} went {H3212}, and brought {H935} his servants {H5650} from Gath {H1661}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shim'i set out, saddled his donkey and went to Akhish in Gat to look for his slaves; then Shim'i returned, bringing his slaves from Gat.

Berean Standard Bible

So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath.

American Standard Version

And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish, to seek his servants; and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 2:40 records the fateful journey of Shimei to Gath, a Philistine city, to retrieve his runaway servants. This seemingly ordinary act of recovering property becomes a pivotal moment, as it constitutes a direct and deliberate violation of the solemn oath Shimei had sworn to King Solomon, an oath that strictly confined him to Jerusalem. His decision to prioritize personal convenience over his sworn word and the king's explicit command ultimately seals his demise, serving as a stark illustration of the severe consequences of disobedience and the sanctity of covenants in the ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the critical early reign of King Solomon, immediately following the consolidation of his throne after the death of David. Solomon, demonstrating shrewd wisdom and firm justice, systematically addresses potential threats to his nascent kingdom. Shimei, a Benjaminite who had cursed David during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")), was a lingering danger. Solomon had previously confined Shimei to Jerusalem under a strict oath, warning him that crossing the Kidron Valley would result in his death ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Command to Shimei")). Shimei had agreed to these terms, living under this restriction for three years. Verse 40 describes the specific incident that triggers the violation of this covenant, setting the stage for Solomon's final judgment upon Shimei in the verses that follow ([1 Kings 2:41-46](/1_kings/2-41 "1 Kings 2:41-46 - Shimei's Execution")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of swearing an oath (שְׁבוּעָה, _shevu'ah_) was a profoundly serious matter in ancient Israel and the wider Near East, often invoking the name of God and carrying severe social and religious repercussions if broken. Kings held absolute authority, and a direct command from the monarch, especially one secured by an oath, was not to be trifled with. Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities, a historical adversary of Israel. Traveling to Gath meant entering foreign, often hostile, territory. The mention of "Achish" is significant, as he was the Philistine king with whom David had sought refuge during his flight from Saul ([1 Samuel 27:2](/1_samuel/27-2 "1 Samuel 27:2 - David's Refuge with Achish")). For Shimei, a Benjaminite who had opposed David, to now travel to the court of Achish, albeit for a different purpose, adds a layer of historical irony and highlights the extent of his disregard for the boundaries set by Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** First Kings 2:40 powerfully illustrates the **consequences of disobedience** and the **sanctity of oaths and covenants**. Shimei's seemingly minor transgression of leaving Jerusalem to retrieve servants, when viewed against the backdrop of his solemn vow and the king's explicit command, becomes a profound act of rebellion. This highlights the biblical principle that even seemingly small acts of unfaithfulness can have severe repercussions, especially when they involve breaking one's word before God and human authority. Furthermore, the narrative subtly underscores **Solomon's wisdom and justice** in consolidating his kingdom. His initial command to Shimei was not arbitrary but a test of loyalty and a strategic move to eliminate potential threats. Shimei's actions confirm Solomon's assessment of his character, demonstrating that a heart prone to disloyalty will eventually reveal itself, even under strictures. This event contributes to the broader narrative of Solomon establishing a secure and stable reign, fulfilling David's charge to him in [1 Kings 2:1-9](/1_kings/2-1 "1 Kings 2:1-9 - David's Final Charge to Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gath (Hebrew, _Gat_):** One of the five major Philistine city-states, 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 to Gath was not merely a geographical transgression but a symbolic one, crossing into enemy territory, further emphasizing his disregard for the boundaries set by Solomon and the implicit trust placed in him.
* **Achish (Hebrew, _'Akhish_):** The king of Gath. The specific mention of Achish, rather than just "the king of Gath," serves as an ironic historical echo. David himself, while fleeing Saul, had sought refuge with Achish of Gath ([1 Samuel 27:2](/1_samuel/27-2 "1 Samuel 27:2 - David's Refuge with Achish")). This connection subtly highlights the contrast between David's desperate flight and Shimei's deliberate, self-serving violation of an oath, made even more poignant by the shared destination.
* **saddled his ass (Hebrew, _chavash 'et-chamoro_):** This phrase describes a deliberate, prepared action. It's not an impulsive dash but a conscious decision to undertake a journey. Shimei did not accidentally wander out of Jerusalem; he made preparations, indicating his full awareness and intent to violate the terms of his confinement. This detail underscores the premeditated nature of his disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass":** This opening clause immediately establishes Shimei's active and deliberate intention. "Arose" signifies initiating action, and "saddled his ass" details the preparation for a journey. This is not a spontaneous or accidental departure but a planned undertaking, emphasizing his conscious choice to transgress.
* **"and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants":** This specifies the destination (Gath, a forbidden place) and the stated purpose (to retrieve runaway servants). The journey to Gath, and specifically to its king, Achish, is the direct violation of Solomon's command and Shimei's oath. The motivation, while seemingly mundane (recovering property), is insufficient to justify breaking a solemn vow to the king.
* **"and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath":** This concluding clause confirms the successful completion of the forbidden act. The repetition of "Shimei went" (or implied movement) underscores the determined nature of his journey. He achieved his immediate goal of retrieving his servants, but at the cost of his life, demonstrating that short-term gain often leads to long-term ruin when integrity is compromised.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 2:40 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Shimei, who once cursed King David, now travels to Gath, the very city where David himself once sought refuge from Saul. This historical parallel underscores the cyclical nature of human fallibility and the contrasting outcomes of David's humble submission versus Shimei's proud defiance. The verse also functions as clear **foreshadowing**, as Shimei's deliberate act of disobedience immediately signals his impending doom, which is swiftly executed by Solomon in the subsequent verses. The **repetition** of Shimei's action ("Shimei arose... and went... and Shimei went, and brought") emphasizes the intentionality and completion of his transgression, highlighting his full accountability. Furthermore, there is a subtle **contrast** between the mundane, practical reason for his journey (retrieving servants) and the grave, spiritual, and political implications of breaking a sacred oath and defying royal authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Shimei's disobedience in 1 Kings 2:40 serves as a powerful theological lesson on the gravity of oaths and the consequences of unfaithfulness. In ancient Israel, a sworn oath was not merely a legal formality but a sacred bond, often made before God, and its violation was considered a severe offense, demonstrating a lack of integrity and a disregard for divine and human authority. Shimei's casual breach of his covenant with Solomon, driven by personal convenience, underscores the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of one's word and the principle that God holds individuals accountable for their promises. This narrative also contributes to the broader biblical theme of divine justice, illustrating that persistent rebellion and a disregard for established order will ultimately face judgment, ensuring the stability of the kingdom and the triumph of righteousness.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Sanctity of Oaths")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 13:13](/proverbs/13-13 "Proverbs 13:13 - Disregarding Instruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Shimei's fateful journey to Gath offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our own word and the seriousness with which we approach commitments, whether to God, to others, or to legitimate authorities. In a world where promises are often broken lightly and convenience frequently trumps commitment, Shimei's downfall serves as a stark reminder that our choices, even seemingly small ones, carry significant weight and can have far-reaching consequences. It compels us to consider whether we prioritize our immediate desires or personal gain over the sacred bonds of trust and obedience. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a heart of faithfulness, recognizing that true freedom and blessing are found not in defiance but in honoring our word and submitting to righteous authority, trusting that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments or oaths have I made that I might be tempted to disregard for personal convenience?**
* **How does Shimei's story challenge my understanding of the sanctity of promises and integrity in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing short-term gain over long-term faithfulness and obedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reverence for my word and for the authority established by God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Shimei's trip to Gath such a serious offense, given it was just to retrieve servants?**

Answer: Shimei's trip to Gath was a serious offense not because of the purpose (retrieving servants) but because it was a direct and deliberate violation of a solemn oath he had sworn to King Solomon. Solomon had confined Shimei to Jerusalem, explicitly warning him that crossing the Kidron Valley would result in his death ([1 Kings 2:37](/1_kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - Solomon's Warning to Shimei")). Shimei had agreed to these terms, acknowledging that he had heard and understood the command. His journey to Gath, a Philistine city outside the stipulated bounds, demonstrated a profound disregard for his sacred oath, the king's authority, and the trust placed in him. In ancient Near Eastern culture, breaking such an oath was a grave matter, challenging the king's sovereignty and the very fabric of social order. It confirmed Solomon's initial assessment of Shimei as a lingering threat to the stability of his newly established kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Shimei's disobedience and its fatal consequences provides a stark backdrop against which the perfect obedience and covenant faithfulness of Jesus Christ shine even brighter. Shimei's journey to Gath, driven by self-interest and resulting in the breaking of a solemn covenant, stands in direct contrast to Christ's journey to the cross, driven by selfless love and culminating in the establishment of an eternal covenant. While Shimei's act led to his death as a consequence of his broken promise, Jesus, the true Son of David, perfectly fulfilled every promise and covenant. He did not break the boundaries set by God but rather lived a life of complete submission to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Unlike Shimei, who sought to retrieve his own servants, Jesus came to seek and save the lost, redeeming those who were enslaved to sin ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). His shed blood inaugurated the New Covenant, a covenant of grace that cannot be broken by human failing but is secured by His perfect obedience and sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). Thus, Shimei's story, a testament to the fatal consequences of human unfaithfulness, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God embodied in Christ, who perfectly kept the covenant and offers eternal life to all who believe.

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

Proverbs 15:27

¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.