2 Samuel 16:13

KJV

And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as David {H1732} and his men {H582} went {H3212} by the way {H1870}, Shimei {H8096} went along {H1980} on the hill's {H2022} side {H6763} over against {H5980} him, and cursed {H7043} as he went {H1980}, and threw {H5619} stones {H68} at {H5980} him, and cast {H6080} dust {H6083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David and his men went on their way, while on the opposite hillside Shim'i kept pace with him, cursing, throwing stones and flinging dust as he went.

Berean Standard Bible

So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David.

American Standard Version

So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hill-side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 16:13 vividly portrays King David's profound public humiliation during Absalom's rebellion as he flees Jerusalem. Shimei, a Benjamite from Saul's clan, seizes this moment of vulnerability to relentlessly revile the king, following him along the hillside, cursing him, throwing stones, and casting dust. This poignant scene not only underscores David's deep personal and political distress but also highlights his remarkable humility and unwavering trust in divine sovereignty amidst intense, unjust suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). David has just made the difficult decision to flee Jerusalem to avoid direct conflict and bloodshed within the city. As he ascends the Mount of Olives weeping, he encounters Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5). The preceding verses describe David's humble acceptance of this ordeal, viewing it as potentially permitted by God, as seen in his words to Abishai in [2 Samuel 16:10-12](/2_samuel/16-10 "2 Samuel 16:10-12 - David's Humble Acceptance of Shimei's Curses"). Shimei's aggressive actions in verse 13 are a direct continuation of his verbal assault, intensifying the public shaming and physical threat against the fleeing king and his entourage. This event is a stark contrast to David's earlier triumphs and foreshadows the complex path to his eventual restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shimei's actions are deeply rooted in the political and social dynamics of ancient Israel. As a Benjamite and a descendant of Saul's house, Shimei harbored deep-seated resentment towards David, whom he likely blamed for the downfall of Saul's dynasty. In the ancient Near East, public cursing, throwing stones, and casting dust were not mere insults but potent, ritualistic acts of extreme contempt, shaming, and rejection. Throwing stones could signify a death sentence or utter rejection, while casting dust was a gesture of mourning, lament, or profound disdain, often used to express a desire for the cursed person's demise or utter humiliation. These actions were designed to strip the target of their dignity and authority, especially a king, in full public view. The "hill's side" provided Shimei with a vantage point, allowing him to perform his acts of defiance and humiliation openly and safely from a distance.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 16:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel and David's life. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **unjust suffering and humiliation**, demonstrating that even God's anointed can face intense, undeserved scorn and physical assault. Crucially, it highlights **divine sovereignty and David's humility**, as David interprets Shimei's actions not merely as human malice but as potentially permitted or even ordained by God, as expressed in [2 Samuel 16:10-12](/2_samuel/16-10 "2 Samuel 16:10-12 - David's Humble Acceptance of Shimei's Curses"). This perspective reflects David's understanding that God might be using this tribulation as a consequence for his past sins, echoing Nathan's prophecy concerning the sword never departing from his house in [2 Samuel 12:11](/2_samuel/12-11 "2 Samuel 12:11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Consequences"). Furthermore, the passage underscores the theme of **patience and restraint in adversity**, as David chooses not to retaliate, demonstrating a profound trust in God's ultimate justice and timing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** This verb, from H7043, means to be light, swift, or trifling. In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it means to treat lightly, despise, or revile. It implies a deliberate act of contempt and disdain, seeking to diminish the honor and authority of the one being cursed. Shimei's cursing was an act of public degradation, aiming to strip David of his kingly dignity.
* **Threw stones (Hebrew, _çâqal'_):** This verb, from H5619, means to be weighty, but is used here in the sense of lapidation or stoning. While _çâqal_ often refers to stoning as a form of capital punishment, here it is used as an act of extreme insult and aggression. It signifies a profound rejection and hostile intent, a physical manifestation of Shimei's desire to harm and humiliate David. It was a gesture of utter contempt for the person being targeted, akin to declaring them worthy of death or expulsion.
* **Cast dust (Hebrew, _ʻâphar'_):** This verb, from H6080, means to pulverize or to be dust. This action is a powerful non-verbal symbol. In ancient Near Eastern culture, casting dust over one's head or towards another could signify deep mourning, lamentation, or, as in this context, extreme contempt, rejection, and a wish for the person's downfall. It was a public declaration of utter disdain, treating the king as if he were already dead or utterly worthless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as David and his men went by the way":** This sets the scene, emphasizing the vulnerable state of the king and his loyal followers. They are not in a position of power or defense, but on a journey of flight, making them susceptible to public affronts. The phrase "by the way" (H1870, _derek_) highlights their precarious journey.
* **"Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him":** This detail highlights Shimei's deliberate and sustained act of aggression. He positions himself strategically on the opposite hillside (H2022, _har_), ensuring he is visible and audible, maximizing the public nature and impact of his insults while maintaining a safe distance from David's immediate retinue.
* **"and cursed as he went":** This signifies a continuous, unrelenting verbal assault. Shimei's curses were not a single outburst but an ongoing stream of vitriol, designed to heap shame and dishonor upon the king at every step of his humiliating retreat. The repetition of "went" (H1980, _hâlak_) emphasizes the persistent nature of his harassment.
* **"and threw stones at him":** This adds a physical dimension to the verbal abuse, demonstrating Shimei's intense animosity. The stones (H68, _ʼeben_), though perhaps not directly hitting David, served as a tangible expression of his desire for David's harm and destruction, a public declaration of his contempt.
* **"and cast dust":** This final action completes the ritualistic shaming. Casting dust (H6083, _ʻâphâr_) underscores the depth of Shimei's disdain, treating David as if he were a corpse or an outcast, utterly rejected and despised. It is a powerful visual symbol of utter contempt and a wish for the king's demise.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of David's humiliation and his response. **Irony** is prominent, as the once-victorious King David, God's anointed, is now a fleeing figure, subjected to public abuse by a mere subject from a rival house. This stark reversal of fortune underscores the unpredictable nature of power and the consequences of sin. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized through Shimei's actions: the stones represent hostility and a desire for harm, while the dust symbolizes contempt, rejection, and a wish for David's downfall. These are not random acts but culturally loaded gestures of extreme shaming. The narrative also employs **contrast**, juxtaposing Shimei's unrestrained malice with David's remarkable self-control and humble acceptance, highlighting David's spiritual maturity in the face of provocation. Furthermore, this scene serves as a subtle **foreshadowing** of David's eventual restoration, as his patient endurance in this moment of suffering aligns with a pattern of divine testing and ultimate vindication seen throughout his life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The scene of Shimei cursing David is a profound theological statement on the nature of suffering, divine sovereignty, and human response. It challenges the simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin, though David himself considered the possibility (2 Samuel 16:10-12). More deeply, it illustrates that God can permit or even orchestrate difficult circumstances, including unjust attacks, for His sovereign purposes – whether for discipline, refinement, or to reveal deeper spiritual truths. David's response of restraint and trust in God's justice models a profound faith that commits one's cause to the Lord rather than seeking immediate retribution. This passage foreshadows the greater suffering of the Messiah, who would endure far greater contempt and injustice without retaliation, ultimately for the salvation of humanity.

* [Psalm 38:13-15](/psalms/38-13 "Psalm 38:13-15 - David's Suffering and Trust"): David's experience here resonates with his psalms of lament, where he describes himself as deaf to insults and trusting in the Lord.
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering"): This verse describes Christ's response to suffering, echoing David's restraint: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"): This foundational verse reminds believers that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose," a truth David implicitly grasped in his acceptance of Shimei's actions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter between David and Shimei offers timeless lessons on how to navigate unjust criticism, public humiliation, and personal attacks. David's example encourages believers to cultivate a profound trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that even in moments of intense opposition, God remains in control and may be using difficult circumstances for His purposes, whether for our spiritual growth, the demonstration of His justice, or the unfolding of His greater plan. Rather than immediately retaliating or defending ourselves, David's restraint teaches us the wisdom of exercising patience and committing our cause to God, allowing Him to handle the situation in His way and His time. This requires a deep humility, a willingness to surrender our right to self-vindication, and a reliance on divine grace rather than personal power or pride. Ultimately, this scene reminds us that our true vindication comes from God, not from our own efforts to silence our accusers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I face unjust criticism or public humiliation?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to retaliate rather than trust God's sovereignty?**
* **What does David's humility in this passage teach me about surrendering control to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of patience and restraint when provoked?**

### FAQ

**Why did Shimei curse David so vehemently?**

Answer: Shimei's intense animosity stemmed primarily from his loyalty to the fallen house of Saul, of which he was a kinsman, as revealed in [2 Samuel 16:5](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5 - Shimei's Identity"). He viewed David as a usurper and likely held him responsible for the demise of Saul's dynasty. Shimei interpreted David's current distress—fleeing Absalom's rebellion—as divine judgment for the "blood of the house of Saul," as he explicitly states in [2 Samuel 16:8](/2_samuel/16-8 "2 Samuel 16:8 - Shimei's Accusation"). He believed that God was repaying David for his alleged injustices against Saul and his family. He saw David's vulnerability as an opportunity to publicly express his deep-seated resentment and to shame the king he believed was illegitimate.

**Why did David not allow his men to retaliate against Shimei?**

Answer: David's refusal to allow his mighty men, particularly Abishai, to kill Shimei, as recorded in [2 Samuel 16:9-12](/2_samuel/16-9-12 "2 Samuel 16:9-12 - David's Refusal to Retaliate"), reveals his profound spiritual maturity and trust in God's sovereignty. David understood that while Shimei's actions were malicious, they were ultimately permitted by God. He famously declared, "Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to curse David" in [2 Samuel 16:11](/2_samuel/16-11 "2 Samuel 16:11 - David's Acceptance of God's Will"). This was not passive resignation but an active faith that God was working through these circumstances, perhaps even using Shimei's curses as a form of divine discipline or testing. David believed that if he humbly endured this suffering, God might ultimately bless him, as he expresses hope in [2 Samuel 16:12](/2_samuel/16-12 "2 Samuel 16:12 - David's Hope for God's Blessing"). His restraint demonstrated a commitment to God's justice over personal vengeance, trusting that God would ultimately vindicate him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unjust suffering and humble endurance of King David in 2 Samuel 16:13 serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though God's anointed, experienced profound public humiliation and rejection at the hands of his own people and a vengeful kinsman. He was cursed, stoned, and treated with utter contempt while in a state of vulnerability and flight. This mirrors the experience of Jesus, the true Son of David, who willingly emptied Himself and endured far greater scorn and suffering for humanity's sake. Just as Shimei cursed David, Jesus was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ Despised and Rejected"). He was mocked, spit upon, and reviled by the crowds and soldiers, enduring the ultimate public shaming on the cross, as vividly described in [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Mocking of Jesus"). Unlike David, whose suffering was partly a consequence of his own sin, Jesus was perfectly innocent, yet He "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly," a profound truth articulated in [1 Peter 2:22-23](/1_peter/2-22-23 "1 Peter 2:22-23 - Christ's Sinlessness and Endurance"). Christ's profound humility and obedience, even to the point of death, exemplify the ultimate trust in the Father's sovereign plan, as celebrated in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"). His endurance of rejection and suffering led not to temporary restoration, like David's, but to eternal vindication and the salvation of all who believe, as He is now seated at the right hand of God, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame," a triumphant declaration in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith").

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

Acts 23:23

And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

2 Samuel 16:5

¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

2 Samuel 16:6

And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men [were] on his right hand and on his left.