2 Samuel 19:18

KJV

And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

KJV (with Strong's)

And there went over {H5674} a ferry boat {H5679} to carry over {H5674} the king's {H4428} household {H1004}, and to do {H6213} what he thought {H5869} good {H2896}. And Shimei {H8096} the son {H1121} of Gera {H1617} fell down {H5307} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, as he was come over {H5674} Jordan {H3383};

Complete Jewish Bible

to ferry the king's household across and do whatever else the king wanted done. Shim'i the son of Gera fell down before the king when he was ready to cross the Yarden

Berean Standard Bible

and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king

American Standard Version

And there went over a ferry-boat to bring over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 19:18 marks a significant moment in King David's return to Jerusalem following the defeat of Absalom's rebellion, detailing the logistical arrangements for his royal household's crossing of the Jordan River and, more dramatically, the unexpected appearance of Shimei, son of Gera, who prostrates himself before the king in a desperate plea for mercy. This verse captures the delicate balance between restoration and reconciliation, setting the stage for David's complex decisions regarding former adversaries as he reclaims his throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the resolution of Absalom's rebellion and David's decision to return to Jerusalem. The previous verses (2 Samuel 19:9-17) describe the growing consensus among the tribes of Israel to bring David back, culminating in a delegation from Judah meeting him at the Jordan. The "ferry boat" signifies the organized and official nature of David's return, not as a fugitive, but as a king being welcomed home. Shimei's appearance at this precise moment, as David is crossing the symbolic and geographical barrier of the Jordan, highlights his urgency and desperation to secure his own safety and future before David fully re-establishes his authority in the capital. His act of prostration is a direct consequence of the shift in power dynamics, contrasting sharply with his earlier defiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jordan River served as a significant geographical boundary, and its crossing often held symbolic weight, representing transition or a return to normalcy. Royal processions in the ancient Near East were elaborate affairs, signifying the king's power and the people's loyalty. The mention of a "ferry boat" (Hebrew: עֲבָרָה, *'abarâh*) indicates the practical means of crossing for a large household, suggesting a well-organized effort by those eager to facilitate the king's return. Culturally, "falling down before the king" was a profound act of submission, reverence, and supplication, typically performed by an inferior before a superior, often when seeking forgiveness or favor. For Shimei, who had publicly cursed David during his flight (as recorded in [2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei Curses David")), this act was a dramatic and public reversal of his previous stance, acknowledging David's restored authority and his own vulnerable position.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel. It underscores the theme of **Restoration and Return**, as David, once a fugitive, is now being formally brought back to his throne, signaling the re-establishment of order after civil strife. This return is not without its challenges, as seen in the immediate need to address past grievances. The dramatic entrance of Shimei introduces the theme of **Repentance and Forgiveness**, forcing David to confront an old enemy who now seeks mercy. Shimei's desperate act of submission sets the stage for a crucial decision regarding justice and clemency, a theme further explored in David's interaction with him (see [2 Samuel 19:19-23](/2_samuel/19-19 "2 Samuel 19:19-23 - David's Response to Shimei")). Furthermore, the verse touches on **Loyalty and Reconciliation**, demonstrating the complex political landscape where former adversaries now seek to align themselves with the returning king, essential for the stability and unity of the kingdom. The people's eagerness to bring David back, as described in [2 Samuel 19:9-10](/2_samuel/19-9 "2 Samuel 19:9-10 - Israel's Desire for David's Return"), provides the backdrop for this moment of potential reconciliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ferry boat (Hebrew, _'abarâh'_):** This term (עֲבָרָה) specifically denotes a means of crossing, a passage, or a ferry. Its use here is significant, indicating a deliberate and organized effort to transport David and his extensive household across the Jordan. It's not merely a casual crossing but a formal, royal passage, emphasizing David's re-established authority and the public nature of his return. The presence of such a vessel highlights the logistical scale of a king's movement and the resources at his disposal, provided by those eager to welcome him back.
* **Fell down (Hebrew, _naphal'_):** The verb נָפַל (*naphal*) means "to fall," and in this context, "to fall down" or "to prostrate oneself." This action is a powerful non-verbal communication of profound submission, humility, and supplication in the ancient Near East. It signifies an acknowledgment of the other's superior status and a desperate plea for mercy or favor. For Shimei, who had previously cursed David and threw stones at him (as recounted in [2 Samuel 16:6](/2_samuel/16-6 "2 Samuel 16:6 - Shimei Curses David")), this act of falling down before the king is a stark and dramatic reversal, indicating his complete vulnerability and his desperate hope for forgiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household,"**: This clause describes the practical arrangements for David's return. The "ferry boat" (עֲבָרָה) signifies an official, perhaps specially arranged, means of transport for the large retinue accompanying the king. The phrase "king's household" encompasses not only David's immediate family but also his loyal servants, officials, and perhaps even some military personnel, all of whom were essential to the re-establishment of his court in Jerusalem. This detail underscores the organized and deliberate nature of David's return, contrasting with his hasty flight from Absalom.
* **"and to do what he thought good."**: This phrase indicates that the ferry boat and its crew were at the king's disposal, ready to execute any command or facilitate any movement David deemed necessary. It speaks to David's restored authority and the willingness of the people, particularly the men of Judah, to serve him. This submission to David's will is a clear sign of the kingdom's desire to reconcile and reaffirm his sovereignty after the rebellion.
* **"And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;"**: This clause introduces the pivotal moment of confrontation. Shimei, identified by his full lineage, appears precisely as David is completing his crossing of the Jordan. His act of "falling down before the king" (נָפַל לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ) is a profound gesture of abject submission and a desperate plea for mercy. This public display of humility is a direct attempt to avert the king's wrath, given Shimei's previous open hostility towards David during his flight. His timing, as David "was come over Jordan," suggests he seized the earliest possible opportunity to make his petition, before David was fully entrenched in Jerusalem and potentially less accessible or merciful.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and thematic significance. **Symbolism** is evident in the Jordan River crossing, which acts as a liminal space, a symbolic threshold between David's exile and his full restoration to power. His passage across it signifies not just a physical journey but a transition from chaos to order, from rebellion to legitimate rule. The act of Shimei "falling down" is a powerful visual **Metonymy** for his complete submission and desperate supplication, where the physical action represents his internal state and political vulnerability. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between Shimei's past actions (cursing and stoning David in [2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei Curses David")) and his present posture of abject humility. This contrast underscores the radical shift in power dynamics and the theme of reversal. The verse also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the complex and often difficult decisions David must make regarding justice and mercy for those who opposed him, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of reconciliation and the eventual fate of figures like Shimei (which is ultimately resolved in [1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Shimei")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the complexities of forgiveness and justice. David's return is not merely a political victory but an act of divine restoration, affirming God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen king despite human rebellion and sin. Shimei's desperate act of repentance underscores the biblical truth that true humility and a recognition of one's wrongdoing are prerequisites for seeking and receiving mercy. It highlights the tension between the just consequences of sin and the redemptive power of forgiveness. The scene forces a reflection on how leaders, and indeed all believers, are called to navigate the delicate balance of upholding justice while extending grace, mirroring God's own character.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3 "Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness and Repentance")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene at the Jordan River offers profound lessons for contemporary life. Shimei's desperate prostration before David serves as a powerful reminder of the humility required for genuine repentance. It's not enough to merely regret consequences; true repentance involves acknowledging one's offense, humbling oneself, and seeking reconciliation. For those who have been wronged, David's subsequent response (detailed in the verses that follow) provides a template for navigating forgiveness. It challenges us to consider when and how to extend grace, even to those who have deeply hurt us, recognizing that true healing often requires a willingness to release bitterness and embrace reconciliation. This verse prompts us to reflect on our own capacity for forgiveness, both in seeking it and in offering it, and the transformative power of humility in bridging divides. In a world often fractured by conflict and unforgiveness, the principles embedded in this ancient narrative remain remarkably relevant, calling us to pursue peace and restoration in our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Shimei's act of "falling down" teach us about the nature of true repentance and humility?**
* **How challenging is it to extend forgiveness to those who have deeply wronged us, especially when they humble themselves?**
* **In what ways can we, like David, balance the demands of justice with the call to mercy in our personal and communal lives?**
* **What "Jordan crossings" or moments of transition in your life have required you to seek or offer forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Shimei meeting David at the Jordan River?**

Answer: Shimei's decision to meet David at the Jordan River was critically strategic and symbolic. The Jordan represented a significant geographical and political boundary. By meeting David *as he was coming over Jordan*, Shimei positioned himself to be among the first to acknowledge David's restored kingship, before David was fully re-established in Jerusalem. This timing was a desperate attempt to secure immediate pardon and demonstrate his loyalty, hoping to preempt any punitive action David might take against him for his earlier curses and opposition during David's flight from Absalom (see [2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei Curses David")). It was a public and urgent plea for mercy at a pivotal moment of transition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 19:18, while depicting a pivotal moment in David's earthly reign, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. David's triumphant return across the Jordan, facilitated by a "ferry boat" and met by a desperate supplicant, foreshadows the ultimate return and reign of a greater King. Just as David, the anointed one, re-enters his kingdom to restore order and offer reconciliation, so too does Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, ultimately return to establish His eternal kingdom. Shimei's abject prostration, a desperate plea for mercy from a king he had wronged, mirrors humanity's posture before Christ. We, like Shimei, are those who have rebelled against our rightful King, yet through Christ's atoning work, we are offered not just pardon but full reconciliation. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "ferry" that carries us from the realm of sin and death into the kingdom of light and life (compare [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Ransom for Many")), offers a forgiveness far surpassing David's, a forgiveness that transforms enemies into beloved children of God (see [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled to God")). The restoration of David's kingdom points to the glorious, unbreakable reign of Christ, where true justice and perfect mercy eternally embrace, and all who humble themselves before Him will find not just pardon, but eternal life and a place in His household (as promised in [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises Return")).

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

Psalms 81:15

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.