2 Samuel 16:12

KJV

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

It may be that the LORD {H3068} will look {H7200} on mine affliction {H5869}{H6040}, and that the LORD {H3068} will requite {H7725} me good {H2896} for his cursing {H7045} this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Maybe ADONAI will notice how I'm treating him, and ADONAI will reward me with good instead of his curses."

Berean Standard Bible

Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

American Standard Version

It may be that Jehovah will look on the wrong done unto me, and that Jehovah will requite me good for his cursing of me this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 16:12 captures King David's profound spiritual posture amidst the humiliation and suffering of Absalom's rebellion. As he flees Jerusalem, subjected to the curses and stones of Shimei, David expresses a remarkable blend of humility, faith in divine sovereignty, and unwavering hope. He believes that God, who sees his deep affliction, might not only be permitting this trial but will ultimately reverse the situation, transforming the present cursing into future good and blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, David. Immediately preceding this, David has fled Jerusalem, weeping as he ascends the Mount of Olives, barefoot and with his head covered, a profound symbol of mourning and humiliation ([2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Flight from Jerusalem")). He has just refused Abishai's request to kill Shimei, stating, "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him" ([2 Samuel 16:11](/2_samuel/16-11 "2 Samuel 16:11 - David's Response to Shimei")). This decision highlights David's acceptance of his suffering as potentially divinely ordained, setting the stage for his hopeful declaration in verse 12. The narrative then continues with Absalom's entry into Jerusalem and the tragic unfolding of his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's flight was a desperate act to avoid civil war and bloodshed in Jerusalem, a stark contrast to his earlier triumphant entries. Shimei, a Benjaminite from the house of Saul, saw David's vulnerability as an opportunity to exact revenge for the perceived wrongs against Saul's dynasty. Cursing in the ancient Near East was not merely verbal abuse; it was believed to invoke supernatural harm or misfortune, especially when directed at a king. David's refusal to retaliate, despite having the power to do so, was counter-cultural. It demonstrated an extraordinary level of self-restraint and a deep theological conviction that God's hand was at work, even in such a public and demeaning display of disrespect. This period also reflects the volatile nature of kingship and succession in ancient Israel, where divine favor was often seen as directly tied to a king's fortunes.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this passage, and indeed throughout much of David's life, is the **Sovereignty of God** over all circumstances, even those that appear chaotic or unjust. David's response to Shimei underscores his belief that God is ultimately in control, allowing or even orchestrating events for His purposes. This ties into the theme of **Suffering and Divine Discipline**, where David considers his present distress as possibly a consequence of his own sins (e.g., the Bathsheba affair, detailed in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")). Furthermore, the verse powerfully expresses **Hope in God's Redemption and Reversal**. David trusts that God will not abandon him but will ultimately turn his humiliation into honor and his curses into blessings, echoing the sentiments found in the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Tests Job") and various Psalms that speak of God's vindication of the righteous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Affliction (Hebrew, _‘oni'_):** This term (עֳנִי) denotes a state of misery, humble suffering, or distress. It conveys a sense of being lowly, oppressed, or in a state of deep personal hardship. In David's context, it perfectly describes his public humiliation, emotional anguish, and physical exhaustion as he flees his own son. It carries connotations of a suffering that elicits divine pity or intervention.
* **Requite (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The verb (שׁוּב) literally means "to turn," "to return," or "to restore." In this context, it implies a divine reversal or compensation. David is not merely hoping for an end to his suffering but for God to actively "return" or "give back" good in place of the evil he is experiencing, effectively transforming the curse into a blessing or a just recompense.
* **Cursing (Hebrew, _qelalah'_):** This word (קְלָלָה) refers to a spoken curse, an imprecation, or an expression of contempt and ill will. Shimei's curses were not just insults but were intended to invoke divine disapproval and misfortune upon David. David's hope is that God will not only disregard this curse but will actively counteract its intended effect by bestowing good.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction":** This clause reveals David's humble and hopeful posture. The phrase "it may be" (אולי, _'ulay'_) indicates a possibility, not a certainty, yet it is rooted in faith. David does not demand or presume, but humbly trusts in God's compassionate gaze. "Look on" (ראה, _ra'ah_) implies more than mere observation; it suggests a sympathetic and attentive regard, a recognition of David's suffering that precedes divine intervention. David believes God sees his deep personal and public distress.
* **"and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day":** This second clause articulates David's specific hope for divine reversal. He anticipates that the same God who "looks on" his affliction will also "requite" (שׁוּב, _shuv_) him, meaning to turn or restore. The "good" (טוב, _tov_) he hopes for is a direct counter to Shimei's "cursing" (קְלָלָה, _qelalah_). This is a profound expression of faith, believing that God can transform evil and malice directed at His servant into blessing and favor, even on the very day of the cursing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between Shimei's malicious cursing and David's humble, hopeful response. David, the powerful king, chooses restraint and trust in God over immediate retaliation, highlighting his spiritual depth. The phrase "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction" contains **Understatement** and **Irony**; while David is in a state of profound distress, his quiet hope in God's intervention stands in stark contrast to the dramatic rebellion unfolding around him. The entire verse functions as a form of **Theodicy**, as David grapples with the question of why he is suffering, ultimately attributing it to God's sovereign will and trusting in His justice. Finally, the expectation that God will "requite me good for his cursing" is a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the biblical principle of divine reversal and the ultimate vindication of the righteous, often turning adversity into a platform for God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's response in 2 Samuel 16:12 is a profound theological statement on the nature of suffering, divine sovereignty, and the hope of vindication. It illustrates that even in the darkest moments of humiliation and injustice, a believer can find solace and strength in the conviction that God sees, God knows, and God ultimately controls all circumstances. David does not deny the pain or the injustice, but he looks beyond the human agent (Shimei) to the divine orchestrator, trusting that God's purposes, even through suffering, are ultimately for good. This perspective transforms a moment of public shame into an act of profound faith, demonstrating that true strength lies not in immediate retaliation but in patient endurance and trust in God's redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 37:7](/psalm/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the LORD")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's humble and hopeful response to Shimei's curses offers a timeless model for believers facing unjust criticism, betrayal, or suffering. In a world that often encourages immediate retaliation or self-vindication, David demonstrates the spiritual power of entrusting one's cause to God. His willingness to see even malicious acts as potentially permitted by God's sovereign hand cultivates a profound patience and humility, allowing God to be the ultimate judge and vindicator. This perspective encourages us to look beyond the immediate source of our pain to the God who sees our affliction and is capable of turning curses into blessings. It reminds us that our hope is not in our ability to control circumstances or silence critics, but in God's unfailing character and His promise to work all things for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel unjustly criticized or attacked?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfair?**
* **What specific "afflictions" am I currently facing, and how can I bring them before the Lord with David's posture of humble hope?**
* **How does the belief that God can "requite good for cursing" change my perspective on current difficulties?**

### FAQ

**Why did David not retaliate against Shimei, given his power as king?**

Answer: David's refusal to retaliate, despite the urging of his commander Abishai, stemmed from a profound theological conviction. He believed that Shimei's cursing was not merely a personal insult but potentially an expression of God's judgment or discipline upon him for his own sins (e.g., the Bathsheba affair and the murder of Uriah). David stated, "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him" ([2 Samuel 16:11](/2_samuel/16-11 "2 Samuel 16:11 - David's Acceptance of God's Will")). This demonstrated an extraordinary level of humility, self-restraint, and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, choosing to endure the humiliation rather than seek immediate revenge. He recognized that God could use even the malice of others to accomplish His purposes or to humble His servant.

**What does it mean for God to "requite me good for his cursing"?**

Answer: To "requite" means to return or repay. In this context, David is expressing his hope that God will respond to Shimei's evil curses by bestowing blessings and favor upon him. It signifies a divine reversal of fortune, where God takes the intended harm or malice directed at His servant and transforms it into something beneficial or redemptive. This is not merely an absence of bad, but an active turning of the situation into "good" (Hebrew: _tov_). It speaks to God's power to redeem even the most painful experiences, aligning with the biblical principle that God can work all things for good for those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's hopeful declaration in 2 Samuel 16:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the suffering king, humbly accepts public humiliation and curses, trusting that God will turn his affliction into good. This foreshadows Christ, the true King, who willingly endured far greater curses, insults, and affliction for the sake of humanity. Jesus, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")), perfectly embodied David's patient endurance. On the cross, Christ became a curse for us, bearing the full weight of divine wrath and human malice ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Yet, through His suffering and death, God "requited good" in the most magnificent way, transforming the ultimate curse of sin and death into the ultimate blessing of salvation and eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The "good" that God brought out of Christ's "cursing" was the redemption of the world, demonstrating God's sovereign power to turn the deepest affliction into the greatest triumph and the most profound blessing.

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

Deuteronomy 23:5

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Hebrews 12:10

For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

Exodus 2:24

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exodus 2:25

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them].

Psalms 25:18

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.