2 Samuel 19:20

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

For thy servant {H5650} doth know {H3045} that I have sinned {H2398}: therefore, behold, I am come {H935} the first {H7223} this day {H3117} of all the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130} to go down {H3381} to meet {H7125} my lord {H113} the king {H4428}.

For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, look - I am the first one of all the house of Yosef to come today and go down to meet my lord the king."

For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.โ€

For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

Commentary

Context

This verse finds King David returning to Jerusalem after the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. As David makes his way back, many individuals who had sided with Absalom, or at least had not supported David, come out to meet him, seeking reconciliation and pardon. Shimei, the son of Gera, a Benjaminite from Bahurim, is prominent among them. Earlier, Shimei had bitterly cursed David and thrown stones at him as David fled Jerusalem during Absalom's revolt (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Now, with David victorious and Absalom defeated, Shimei quickly comes forward, demonstrating an eager desire to be among the first to welcome the king back and secure his own safety.

Key Themes

  • Confession and Seeking Forgiveness: Shimeiโ€™s direct admission, "thy servant doth know that I have sinned," is a clear plea for mercy. This highlights the vital step of acknowledging wrongdoing as a prerequisite for seeking pardon, whether from human authority or from God (1 John 1:9).
  • Political Expediency vs. True Remorse: While Shimei's confession is immediate, the sincerity of his repentance is often debated. His haste ("I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph") might suggest a calculated move to protect himself and gain favor rather than deep, heartfelt remorse. This raises questions about the motives behind our own confessions and actions.
  • Tribal Loyalty and Reconciliation: Shimei's claim to be "the first this day of all the house of Joseph" indicates his attempt to represent a broader segment of the northern tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh, often collectively called "Joseph"), signaling their willingness to reunite under David's kingship after the rebellion. This underscores the complex dynamics of tribal and political allegiances in ancient Israel.
  • David's Character and Mercy: David's initial response to Shimei (not detailed in this verse but in the immediate context) is one of mercy, reflecting his desire for national healing and unity after a period of intense division. However, David's later instructions to Solomon concerning Shimei (1 Kings 2:8-9) show that the memory of Shimei's treachery lingered.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of Joseph" (ื‘ึตึผื™ืช ื™ื•ึนืกึตืฃ - bet Yosef) is significant. While Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin, "house of Joseph" here broadly refers to the powerful northern tribes, particularly Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph. By identifying with them and claiming to be their representative, Shimei elevates his status and attempts to present his individual plea as part of a larger movement of northern reconciliation with David. This reflects the deep-seated tribal identities and political factions within Israel.

Practical Application

This verse offers several lessons for contemporary life:

  • The Power of Acknowledgment: Admitting our wrongdoings, even when difficult, is the essential first step towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
  • Examining Our Motives: We are challenged to reflect on the sincerity of our apologies and acts of repentance. Are they driven by genuine remorse or by self-preservation and convenience?
  • Seeking Restoration: Just as Shimei sought to mend his relationship with the king, we are called to pursue reconciliation and peace in our relationships, even after serious breaches.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 2 Samuel 19:9

    ยถ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

  • Psalms 78:34

    When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

  • Psalms 78:37

    For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

  • Hosea 5:3

    I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, [and] Israel is defiled.

  • 1 Kings 12:25

    ยถ Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

  • 2 Samuel 16:5

    ยถ 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.

  • Hosea 4:15

    Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, [yet] let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.