1 Kings 2:42

KJV

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word [that] I have heard [is] good.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} sent {H7971} and called {H7121} for Shimei {H8096}, and said {H559} unto him, Did I not make thee to swear {H7650} by the LORD {H3068}, and protested {H5749} unto thee, saying {H559}, Know {H3045} for a certain {H3045}, on the day {H3117} thou goest out {H3318}, and walkest {H1980} abroad any whither {H575}, that thou shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}? and thou saidst {H559} unto me, The word {H1697} that I have heard {H8085} is good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king summoned Shim'i and said to him, "Didn't I have you swear by ADONAI and forewarn you by telling you, 'Know for a fact that on the day you leave and go anywhere outside the city, you will certainly die'? and you answered me, 'What you're saying is good; I hear it.'

Berean Standard Bible

the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’

American Standard Version

And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not adjure thee by Jehovah, and protest unto thee, saying, Know for certain, that on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The saying that I have heard is good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 2:42 records King Solomon's direct confrontation with Shimei, forcefully reminding him of the solemn oath he swore by the LORD and the explicit, unambiguous warning that departing Jerusalem would result in his certain death. Solomon meticulously recalls Shimei's own affirmation that the terms of this confinement were "good," thereby establishing the undeniable justice and self-incrimination inherent in Shimei's impending judgment. This pivotal verse powerfully underscores the sanctity of divine oaths, the inevitable consequences of deliberate disobedience, and the king's unwavering authority in upholding established covenants and securing the stability of his realm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the climactic moment of Shimei's fate, a direct consequence of his violation of a solemn oath and royal decree. It follows immediately after Shimei's transgression, where he left Jerusalem to retrieve runaway servants, despite Solomon's explicit prohibition ([1 Kings 2:39-40](/1_kings/2-39-40 "1 Kings 2:39-40 - Shimei's Violation")). The narrative thread concerning Shimei begins earlier in [2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5-13 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David"), where he cursed King David during Absalom's rebellion. Though David spared his life, his final charge to Solomon included instructions to deal with Shimei's past treachery ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8-9 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge Concerning Shimei")). Solomon, upon ascending the throne, had confined Shimei to Jerusalem under strict terms, making him swear by the LORD not to leave the city, with death as the penalty for transgression ([1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36-38 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Charge to Shimei")). Shimei had explicitly agreed to these terms, stating, "The word that I have heard is good" ([1 Kings 2:38](/1_kings/2-38 "1 Kings 2:38 - Shimei's Agreement")). Thus, 1 Kings 2:42 is the final act in a carefully constructed legal and theological drama, demonstrating Solomon's methodical consolidation of power and justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Oaths in ancient Israel, especially those sworn "by the LORD" (Yahweh), were profoundly serious and legally binding. They invoked God as a divine witness and guarantor, transforming a human promise into a sacred covenant. Breaking such an oath was not merely a social or legal infraction but a grave offense against God Himself, often incurring severe earthly and divine consequences, as seen in the Mosaic Law concerning vows ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Seriousness of Vows")). Confinement to a specific city was a recognized form of punishment or probation in the ancient Near East, used to control potentially dangerous individuals or ensure loyalty. Solomon's actions reflect the absolute authority of the king in ancient monarchies, particularly in matters of justice and securing the stability of the realm. His meticulous recounting of the terms and Shimei's prior agreement underscores the legal and moral justification for his actions, demonstrating that Shimei's death was a consequence of his own deliberate violation rather than arbitrary cruelty, thereby solidifying Solomon's legitimate rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several crucial themes. Foremost is the **gravity and sanctity of oaths and covenants**, particularly when made before God. Shimei's tragic end serves as a stark reminder that promises made under divine witness carry immense weight and that their breach incurs severe consequences, echoing the warnings found in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows"). It also highlights the **inevitability of consequences for disobedience**, demonstrating that deliberate violation of clear commands, even if delayed, will eventually be met with justice. This principle is foundational to biblical understanding of sin and judgment, as articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Furthermore, the passage showcases **royal authority and righteous justice**, as Solomon, in his role as king, upholds the terms he set and administers justice to secure his throne and maintain order, reflecting the king's duty to establish the land by justice as seen in [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King by Justice Establishes the Land"). Finally, the verse underscores the **weight of one's own words**; Shimei's initial agreement, "The word that I have heard is good," becomes a crucial part of the indictment against him, emphasizing accountability for one's verbal commitments, a theme also present in [Matthew 12:37](/matthew/12-37 "Matthew 12:37 - By Your Words You Will Be Justified").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_ H7650):** This primitive root means "to seven oneself," implying a complete or full declaration, often by repeating a statement seven times. When used with "by the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), it signifies the most solemn and binding form of oath in ancient Israel. It elevates the promise from a mere human agreement to a divinely witnessed covenant, making its breach a direct offense against God Himself. The act of swearing by Yahweh placed the oath-taker's very life and future under God's potential judgment if they failed to uphold their word, indicating an unbreakable commitment.
* **protested (Hebrew, _ʻûwd'_ H5749):** This root means "to duplicate or repeat," and by implication, "to protest" or "testify." In this context, it indicates that Solomon did not merely state the terms but made them abundantly clear, providing an explicit, formal, and undeniable warning. It implies a solemn declaration, leaving no room for Shimei to claim ignorance or misunderstanding of the dire consequences. Solomon's "protestation" served as a legal and moral safeguard, ensuring that Shimei's subsequent actions were a deliberate violation of fully understood and reiterated terms.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_ H2896):** This adjective, used here as part of Shimei's direct quote, signifies that which is pleasant, agreeable, or beneficial. Shimei's affirmation, "The word [that] I have heard [is] good," confirms his full and unreserved consent to the terms and conditions laid out by the king. It indicates that he not only understood the warning but also affirmed its justice and reasonableness at the time. This affirmation removes any potential defense of coercion or unfairness, making his subsequent violation a clear act of rebellion against both human and divine authority, based on his own acknowledged acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes Solomon's deliberate and formal action. It is not an impulsive act but a calculated summons, indicating that Shimei's violation has been noted and a reckoning is at hand. The king's initiative underscores his authority and commitment to enforcing the established order, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the methodical nature of Solomon's justice.
* **"Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying,"**: Solomon's rhetorical question serves as a direct and unassailable accusation. He reminds Shimei of the sacred nature of the oath, sworn under divine witness, and the explicit, unambiguous warning ("protested") that accompanied it. This immediately places the burden of responsibility squarely on Shimei, highlighting his conscious knowledge of the terms and the solemnity of his commitment.
* **"Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die?"**: This is the precise reiteration of the original command and its dire consequence. The phrase "Know for a certain" emphasizes the absolute clarity and certainty of the warning, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The scope ("any whither") leaves no loophole for Shimei to claim he only went a short distance or to an insignificant place. The penalty, "thou shalt surely die," is unequivocal and final, underscoring the severity of the consequence for breaking the oath.
* **"and thou saidst unto me, The word [that] I have heard [is] good."**: This concluding clause is devastatingly effective. Solomon uses Shimei's own words of acceptance against him. By recalling Shimei's affirmation that the terms were "good," Solomon demonstrates that Shimei willingly entered into this covenant, fully understanding and agreeing to its conditions and consequences. This makes Shimei's subsequent death a direct result of his own choices and broken word, not an arbitrary act of royal power, but a just consequence of his self-incrimination.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to underscore its message and the gravity of Shimei's situation. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD...?"), which Solomon uses not to elicit information but to emphasize Shimei's undeniable culpability and prior knowledge of the terms. This technique forces Shimei, and the reader, to acknowledge the clear and unarguable nature of his transgression. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in Shimei's own words, "The word that I have heard is good," becoming the very basis for his condemnation. What he once affirmed as acceptable now seals his fate, highlighting the tragic consequences of a broken promise. Furthermore, the scene functions as a dramatic fulfillment of **Foreshadowing** established in [1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36-38 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Charge to Shimei"); the initial command and Shimei's agreement set the stage for this inevitable confrontation, creating a sense of dramatic tension that resolves in this verse. Solomon's precise **Repetition** of the oath's terms and Shimei's acceptance reinforces the justice and legitimacy of his actions, leaving no doubt about Shimei's deliberate transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This confrontation between Solomon and Shimei serves as a powerful theological lesson on the sanctity of oaths and the severe consequences of violating them. In ancient Israel, an oath sworn "by the LORD" was considered a sacred covenant, a binding agreement witnessed and guaranteed by God Himself. To break such an oath was not merely a breach of human trust or a legal infraction but a direct affront to God's holiness, faithfulness, and authority. This incident underscores the biblical principle that God takes our words seriously, especially when His name is invoked, and that there are indeed dire consequences for unfaithfulness and disobedience to His established commands. It reflects God's own righteous character, who is faithful to His covenants and expects His people to reflect that faithfulness in their own commitments. Shimei's death, therefore, is not merely a political execution but an act of divine justice administered through the king, demonstrating that disregard for solemn vows ultimately leads to severe repercussions, affirming the principle that what one sows, one will also reap.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Seriousness of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Fulfilling Vows")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Shimei's broken oath and its consequences in 1 Kings 2:42 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the weight and integrity of our own words, particularly promises, vows, and commitments we make, whether to God or to others. In a world where promises are often lightly given and easily broken, this passage reminds us that our word should be our bond, a reflection of the faithfulness of God Himself, who is utterly trustworthy in all His declarations. It encourages us to be meticulous in our agreements, ensuring we fully understand the terms and are prepared to honor them, especially when we invoke God's name or commit ourselves in His presence, recognizing that He holds us accountable. Furthermore, Shimei's story is a stark reminder that disregarding established boundaries or clear warnings, even after acknowledging their validity, inevitably leads to consequences. This applies not only to human agreements but, more importantly, to our covenant relationship with God. Our obedience to His commands and our faithfulness to the principles He has laid out are not arbitrary but are foundational to our spiritual well-being, our relationship with Him, and our witness to the world. We are called to live lives of integrity, where our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no, recognizing that our choices, both good and bad, have spiritual repercussions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, especially those made before God or in His name?**
* **Are there any "boundaries" or clear warnings from God's Word that I am currently disregarding or treating lightly?**
* **What are the potential consequences, spiritual or otherwise, of failing to honor my word or obey God's commands?**
* **How does Shimei's ultimate accountability for his own words challenge me to be more intentional and truthful in my communication?**

### FAQ
**Why was Shimei confined to Jerusalem in the first place?**

Answer: Shimei was confined to Jerusalem because he had previously cursed King David during Absalom's rebellion, a grave offense that warranted death. While David had shown him mercy, Solomon, upon consolidating his kingdom, viewed Shimei as a potential threat to his reign and a symbol of lingering disloyalty. Confining Shimei to Jerusalem was a strategic move to neutralize this threat, keeping him under close watch and preventing him from stirring up further trouble or aligning with enemies of the throne. The oath was a binding agreement to ensure his compliance, with a clear penalty for violation, as detailed in [1 Kings 2:36-38](/1_kings/2-36-38 "1 Kings 2:36-38 - Solomon's Charge to Shimei").

**Was Solomon's action against Shimei just, considering David had spared him?**

Answer: From a biblical and ancient Near Eastern perspective, Solomon's action was considered just and necessary for the stability of his newly established kingdom. While David had shown mercy to Shimei, he also instructed Solomon to deal with him according to his wisdom, implying that Shimei's past actions still required a definitive resolution ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8-9 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge Concerning Shimei")). Solomon did not execute Shimei immediately but gave him a clear, explicit condition for his continued life: remaining in Jerusalem. Shimei willingly agreed to this condition, swearing by the LORD and affirming its goodness ([1 Kings 2:38](/1_kings/2-38 "1 Kings 2:38 - Shimei's Agreement")). His subsequent death was not an arbitrary act of royal cruelty but the direct, agreed-upon consequence of his own deliberate violation of a sacred oath and a clear royal command. Solomon was upholding the rule of law and the sanctity of oaths, which was vital for the integrity and justice of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Shimei's broken oath and its fatal consequence provides a stark backdrop against which the perfect faithfulness of Jesus Christ shines with unparalleled brilliance. Shimei, a man who swore an oath by the LORD and then deliberately broke it, stands in sharp contrast to Christ, who is the embodiment of perfect obedience and covenant fidelity. While Shimei's words, "The word...is good," became his undoing, Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), perfectly fulfilled every word, every promise, and every righteous requirement of God's law. He did not break a single command but lived a life of complete submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Shimei's death for his transgression foreshadows the ultimate consequence of sin—spiritual death and separation from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). Yet, in Christ, we find the one who bore the penalty for our broken promises and disobedience. He perfectly kept the covenant that we continually fail to uphold, and through His sacrifice, He established a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") where our sins are forgiven, and we are empowered by His Spirit to live lives of integrity and obedience, not by our own strength but by His grace, writing His laws on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Shimei's tragic end points us to the glorious truth that Jesus is the faithful one who fulfills all righteousness and offers redemption from the consequences of our unfaithfulness, inviting us into a relationship founded on His unwavering covenant love.

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 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.

1 Kings 2:38

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.

Luke 19:22

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Psalms 15:4

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.

Luke 15:22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: