2 Samuel 19:21

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

But Abishai {H52} the son {H1121} of Zeruiah {H6870} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Shall not Shimei {H8096} be put to death {H4191} for this, because he cursed {H7043} the LORD'S {H3068} anointed {H4899}?

Avishai the son of Tz'ruyah answered, "Shouldn't Shim'i be put to death for this? After all, he cursed ADONAI's anointed ruler!"

But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?”

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Jehovah’s anointed?

Commentary

2 Samuel 19:21 captures a tense moment during King David's return to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion, highlighting the zealous loyalty of his commander, Abishai, and the gravity of offending God's chosen leader.

Context

As King David makes his triumphant, yet somber, return to Jerusalem, he is met by various figures, including Shimei, a Benjaminite from the house of Saul, who had previously bitterly cursed David and thrown stones at him during his flight from Absalom. Now, with David's power restored, Shimei comes seeking forgiveness. Abishai, one of David's most formidable but impulsive generals and brother to Joab, immediately sees Shimei's presence as an opportunity for justice, advocating for his execution.

Key Themes

  • The Sanctity of the Lord's Anointed: Abishai's argument hinges on the profound respect for God's chosen king. To curse "the LORD'S anointed" (Hebrew: mashiyach Yahweh) was not merely a personal insult to David but an offense against God Himself, who had divinely appointed David to rule. This concept underscores the sacred nature of Israelite kingship and the severe consequences for disrespecting it.
  • Zealous Loyalty: Abishai embodies fierce loyalty to David, willing to exact immediate vengeance on anyone who had dared to disrespect the king. His perspective represents a common ancient Near Eastern view of justice for treason, where such an act against the sovereign was punishable by death.
  • Justice vs. Mercy: This verse sets the stage for a crucial decision by David, where he must weigh the demands of strict justice against the opportunity for clemency. David's subsequent response (see 2 Samuel 19:23) reveals his character as a king who, at times, prioritized unity and healing over retribution, especially during a period of national reconciliation.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "the LORD'S anointed" translates from the Hebrew mashiyach Yahweh (מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה). The term mashiyach literally means "anointed one" and is the root from which the English word "Messiah" is derived. It signifies someone set apart by God for a special purpose, often through anointing with oil, as was the case with King David by Samuel. This highlights the divine backing and authority David possessed, making any curse against him an affront to God's chosen representative.

Reflection and Application

This passage invites us to consider the respect due to those in authority, especially those divinely appointed or placed in leadership. While we live under a different covenant, the principle of showing honor and not speaking evil against leaders (as seen in Romans 13:1-7) holds relevance. Furthermore, Abishai's zeal, though understandable, contrasts with David's broader vision of reconciliation, reminding us of the wisdom in balancing justice with mercy, particularly when rebuilding after conflict or division. It underscores that God's ways often transcend immediate human impulses for retribution, emphasizing forgiveness and unity for the greater good.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:28

    Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

  • 1 Samuel 26:9

    And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

  • 1 Samuel 24:6

    And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

  • 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.

  • 1 Kings 21:10

    And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And [then] carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

  • 1 Kings 21:11

    And the men of his city, [even] the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, [and] as it [was] written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

  • 2 Samuel 16:7

    And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: