1 Kings 2:41

KJV

And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was told {H5046} Solomon {H8010} that Shimei {H8096} had gone {H1980} from Jerusalem {H3389} to Gath {H1661}, and was come again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo was told that Shim'i had gone from Yerushalayim to Gat and back.

Berean Standard Bible

When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned,

American Standard Version

And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in King Solomon's early reign, reporting the direct violation of a solemn oath by Shimei, a Benjaminite who had previously cursed King David. Having been granted a conditional reprieve by Solomon, contingent on his remaining within Jerusalem, Shimei's unauthorized journey to Gath, a Philistine city, and his subsequent return, was swiftly reported to the king. This act of disobedience set in motion the final judgment against Shimei, demonstrating Solomon's unwavering resolve to consolidate his power and establish the absolute authority of his throne by enforcing justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the crucial opening chapters of 1 Kings, which detail King Solomon's strategic consolidation of power following his ascension to the throne. David, on his deathbed, had given Solomon specific instructions regarding certain individuals, including Shimei, whom David had spared during Absalom's rebellion but whose past treachery was not forgotten ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Shimei")). Solomon, in a display of both mercy and shrewdness, had previously summoned Shimei and bound him by a solemn oath to remain in Jerusalem, warning him that leaving the city would result in his death ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Oath to Shimei")). Verse 41 serves as the turning point, reporting the breach of this oath, which immediately precedes Solomon's decisive action against Shimei in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 2:42-46](/1_kings/2-42 "1 Kings 2:42-46 - Shimei's Execution and Solomon's Throne Secured")). This incident, alongside the earlier executions of Adonijah and Joab, effectively purges the kingdom of potential threats and solidifies Solomon's rule.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the consolidation of a new king's power often involved eliminating rivals or those who posed a potential threat to the throne. Oaths were considered sacred and binding, often invoked with divine witnesses, and their violation was a grave offense, not only against the human authority but also against the deity invoked. Breaking an oath could be seen as an act of rebellion or disloyalty. Jerusalem, as the capital, was the center of royal authority, and leaving it without royal permission could be interpreted as a defiant act, potentially signaling an intention to conspire or rebel. Gath, a Philistine city, was a traditional enemy of Israel, making Shimei's unauthorized journey there particularly suspicious and dangerous in the eyes of the king. The Kidron Valley, explicitly mentioned in Solomon's original warning ([1 Kings 2:37](/1_kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - The Kidron Valley Boundary")), served as a clear geographical boundary, emphasizing the precise nature of the prohibition.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative of 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Justice of Solomon's Throne**, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding justice and establishing the absolute authority of his rule, fulfilling his father David's charge to ensure stability and order in the kingdom ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Instructions to Solomon")). Secondly, the narrative highlights **The Weight of Oaths and Consequences of Disobedience**. Shimei's deliberate violation of a solemn oath, made before God and king, leads directly to his demise, emphasizing the profound importance of keeping one's word and the severe repercussions for disregard of authority and broken promises ([1 Kings 2:36](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36 - Shimei's Oath")). Finally, this incident subtly points to the theme of **Divine Retribution and Providence**. While Solomon acts decisively, the narrative implicitly suggests a divine hand in bringing about justice for Shimei's past actions against David ([2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")), demonstrating that God's justice ultimately prevails, even through human instruments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Told (Hebrew, _nāgad'_):** This verb, often translated as "to report," "to declare," or "to inform," suggests a formal and deliberate communication. It's not casual gossip but an official intelligence report delivered to the king, emphasizing the vigilance of Solomon's administration and the seriousness with which such violations were monitored and conveyed.
* **Gone (Hebrew, _yāṣā'_):** Meaning "to go out," "to depart," or "to leave," this word precisely captures the essence of Shimei's transgression. The emphasis is on the act of crossing the forbidden boundary of Jerusalem, signifying a direct and intentional violation of the king's command and the oath sworn.
* **Come again (Hebrew, _šûb'_):** This verb means "to return" or "to come back." The inclusion of this phrase is crucial because it confirms that Shimei not only left Jerusalem but completed his prohibited journey and returned, demonstrating his full disregard for the terms of his oath. His return, rather than mitigating the offense, confirms the complete act of disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was told Solomon":** This opening clause immediately establishes the king's awareness of the situation, highlighting the efficiency of his intelligence network and the watchful eyes of his servants. It signals that Shimei's actions, though perhaps done discreetly, were not unnoticed and would face immediate royal attention.
* **"that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath":** This is the core of the transgression. Shimei's departure from Jerusalem was a direct and explicit violation of the solemn oath he had sworn to Solomon, which strictly forbade him from leaving the city. His journey to Gath, a Philistine city and traditional enemy territory, further compounded the perceived threat, regardless of his stated intention.
* **"and was come again":** This final phrase confirms the completion of the prohibited act. Shimei not only broke the boundary but fully executed the journey and returned, indicating a deliberate and conscious disregard for the consequences he had been explicitly warned about. His return signifies that he had fully committed the act of disobedience, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his violation of the oath.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significant implications. **Conciseness** is paramount; the simple, declarative statement of facts, without emotional embellishment, heightens the sense of an unalterable decree and impending judgment. This brevity makes the violation stark and undeniable. There is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the earlier detailed account of Solomon's oath and warning to Shimei ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-38 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Oath to Shimei")) clearly foreshadows the inevitable consequences of Shimei's disobedience reported in this verse. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: Shimei leaves Jerusalem, a place of safety under oath, to retrieve runaway servants, prioritizing his property over his own life and a sacred vow. His attempt to secure minor assets ultimately leads to the loss of everything, including his life. The very act meant to recover his possessions becomes the instrument of his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly underscores the biblical principle of accountability and the sanctity of oaths and covenants. In ancient Israel, a sworn oath was not merely a verbal agreement but a binding covenant, often invoking God's name, and its violation was considered a grave offense against both human authority and divine order. Shimei's deliberate disregard for his solemn promise to Solomon reflects a deeper spiritual negligence, demonstrating that rebellion against established, divinely-ordained authority, particularly when that authority is understood to be God-given, can have severe consequences. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that words have weight, commitments must be honored, and disobedience carries a cost, illustrating the enduring truth that integrity and faithfulness are foundational to both human and divine relationships.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Sanctity of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shimei's story serves as a potent reminder of the enduring importance of integrity and obedience, not just to human authority but to the principles of faithfulness that govern our lives. His decision to prioritize immediate, material gain—recovering runaway servants—over a life-preserving oath illustrates a common human failing: valuing temporal possessions or perceived conveniences above spiritual commitments or solemn promises. For believers, this passage calls us to examine our own commitments, whether formal vows or informal promises, to God, to family, to community, and to our word. Do we treat our promises lightly, or do we understand the profound weight they carry? Are there "Jerusalems" in our lives—boundaries set by God's Word, wise counsel, or moral principles—that we are tempted to cross for seemingly practical reasons or personal convenience? True freedom and security are ultimately found not in disregarding boundaries but in faithful obedience and living with integrity, trusting that God's ways are always for our ultimate good and that our faithfulness reflects His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oaths" or commitments have I made, either formally or informally, that I need to re-evaluate for faithfulness and integrity?**
* **How does prioritizing immediate, tangible needs sometimes lead to violating deeper, more significant principles or promises in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to disregard established boundaries or wise counsel for personal convenience or gain?**
* **How does the narrative of Shimei challenge my understanding of accountability and the consequences of disobedience, both in my personal life and in my walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Shimei forbidden to leave Jerusalem?**

Answer: Solomon placed Shimei under a strict house arrest in Jerusalem as a test of his loyalty and a form of probation. This was part of Solomon's broader strategy to consolidate his power and eliminate potential threats to his newly established throne, as specifically instructed by his father, King David, on his deathbed ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Final Instructions Regarding Shimei")). Shimei had a history of open hostility towards David, having cursed him during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")). His presence outside Jerusalem, particularly crossing the Kidron Valley boundary ([1 Kings 2:37](/1_kings/2-37 "1 Kings 2:37 - The Kidron Valley Boundary")), could have been perceived as an act of defiance, a potential rallying point for dissent, or an opportunity to conspire against the king.

**Was Solomon's punishment of Shimei just?**

Answer: From an ancient Near Eastern perspective, and within the biblical narrative, Solomon's punishment of Shimei was considered just. Shimei had sworn a solemn oath to Solomon, agreeing to the explicit terms and consequences of leaving Jerusalem ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Shimei's Oath and Agreement")). Breaking such an oath, especially one made to a king, was a capital offense in that cultural context, often viewed as an act of rebellion or treason. Furthermore, David had specifically charged Solomon to deal with Shimei's past treachery, implying that divine justice was due ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Instructions to Solomon")). Solomon had given Shimei three years to prove his loyalty, and Shimei deliberately violated the clear boundary, knowing the dire consequences ([1 Kings 2:42](/1_kings/2-42 "1 Kings 2:42 - Solomon Reminds Shimei of His Oath")). Solomon's actions reinforced the sanctity of oaths and the absolute authority of his throne, which was crucial for establishing stability and peace in his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Shimei's story starkly illustrates the consequences of broken human oaths and the severity of earthly justice, it ultimately points to a greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike Shimei, who broke his solemn promise and faced death, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled every covenant and promise made by God, embodying ultimate faithfulness. He is the perfectly obedient Son, who did not "go out" from the Father's will but perfectly submitted to it, even to the point of death on a cross, demonstrating an obedience that Shimei utterly lacked ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where human oaths and covenants fail, Christ's covenant faithfulness endures forever, establishing an everlasting covenant that secures our eternal hope ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Everlasting Covenant")). Furthermore, the justice meted out by Solomon, though necessary for establishing an earthly kingdom, foreshadows the perfect and ultimate justice of God, which is fully satisfied in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ secures for us a true "Jerusalem"—a heavenly city where we are eternally safe, not by our own fragile oaths or merits, but by His unbreakable covenant and the shedding of His precious blood ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and New Covenant")). He is the Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world," fulfilling the demands of divine justice and offering true freedom from the consequences of our own broken promises and rebellion ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.