2 Samuel 16:11

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

And David {H1732} said {H559} to Abishai {H52}, and to all his servants {H5650}, Behold, my son {H1121}, which came forth {H3318} of my bowels {H4578}, seeketh {H1245} my life {H5315}: how much more now may this Benjamite {H1145} do it? let him alone {H3240}, and let him curse {H7043}; for the LORD {H3068} hath bidden {H559} him.

David then said to Avishai and all his servants, "Look, my own son, who came from my own body, seeks my life. So how much more now this Binyamini! Let him alone; and let him curse, if ADONAI told him to.

Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, โ€œBehold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him.

Commentary

2 Samuel 16:11 captures a pivotal moment in King David's life, revealing his deep humility and profound trust in God's sovereign hand amidst immense personal suffering.

Context

This verse occurs during Absalom's rebellion, a devastating period where David's own son sought to usurp his throne and take his life. As David and his loyal followers fled Jerusalem, they encountered Shimei, a Benjamite from the house of Saul, who vehemently cursed David and threw stones. David's commander, Abishai, infuriated by Shimei's insolence, wished to execute him. However, David's response in this verse demonstrates an unexpected restraint and spiritual insight, choosing to endure the affront.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: David's statement, "for the LORD hath bidden him," indicates his belief that even Shimei's curses were permitted, if not ordained, by God. This reflects a deep theological understanding that God is ultimately in control, even of difficult circumstances and the actions of wicked men.
  • Humility and Acceptance of Suffering: David acknowledges the profound pain of his own son seeking his life ("my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life"). In light of this betrayal, he sees Shimei's curses as a lesser evil, perhaps even a divinely appointed chastisement for his past sins (as prophesied by Nathan). He chooses not to retaliate but to endure the trial.
  • Restraint and Trust: Rather than allowing Abishai to exact immediate justice, David commands, "let him alone, and let him curse." This act of restraint demonstrates David's trust that God would handle the situation in His own time and way, possibly even turning the curse into a blessing (compare with Joseph's perspective in Genesis 50:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD hath bidden him" (Hebrew: ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ืึธืžึทืจ ืœื•ึน, Yahweh amar lo) can be understood as "the LORD has told him" or "the LORD has commanded him." While it doesn't necessarily imply a direct, audible command to Shimei, it powerfully conveys David's conviction that God was allowing, or even orchestrating, this humiliation as part of His divine plan for David's life, perhaps for purification or discipline. This highlights David's profound spiritual maturity in discerning God's hand in adverse circumstances.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. When faced with unjust criticism, betrayal, or suffering, David's example encourages us to:

  • Look beyond the immediate cause: Recognize that God can use even the actions of others to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
  • Embrace humility: Instead of seeking immediate revenge or validation, consider if there is a lesson to be learned or a purification process at work through the challenging experience.
  • Trust God's sovereignty: Rest in the assurance that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfair. His ultimate plan is for our good and His glory (see Romans 8:28).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 10:5 (2 votes)

    ยถ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Isaiah 10:7 (2 votes)

    Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but [it is] in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

  • Genesis 15:4 (2 votes)

    And, behold, the word of the LORD [came] unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

  • Matthew 10:21 (2 votes)

    And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

  • Genesis 45:5 (2 votes)

    Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 (2 votes)

    And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

  • 2 Samuel 7:2 (2 votes)

    That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.