2 Samuel 19:23

KJV

Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Shimei {H8096}, Thou shalt not die {H4191}. And the king {H4428} sware {H7650} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king said to Shim'i, "You will not be put to death," and the king swore it to him.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 19:23 records King David's solemn oath to Shimei, a Benjamite who had cursed and reviled him during his flight from Absalom's rebellion. As David returns triumphantly to Jerusalem, Shimei is among the first to beg for mercy. Despite the urging of his commander Abishai to execute Shimei for his past insolence, David, in a remarkable display of mercy and political astuteness, declares that no one shall be put to death on this day of his restoration, sealing his promise with a binding oath to Shimei.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in David's reign: his return to Jerusalem after the crushing defeat of Absalom's rebellion. The immediate narrative begins in [2 Samuel 19:16](/2_samuel/19-16 "2 Samuel 19:16 - Shimei's Plea for Mercy"), where Shimei, accompanied by a thousand Benjamites, rushes to meet David at the Jordan River. He prostrates himself, acknowledging his sin and begging for the king's forgiveness. This scene directly follows David's crossing of the Jordan and precedes his interactions with Mephibosheth and Barzillai. Abishai, ever the zealous loyalist, immediately calls for Shimei's execution for having cursed "the Lord's anointed" ([2 Samuel 19:21](/2_samuel/19-21 "2 Samuel 19:21 - Abishai's Demand for Justice")). David's response in [2 Samuel 19:22](/2_samuel/19-22 "2 Samuel 19:22 - David's Rebuke of Abishai") sets the stage for the oath in verse 23, framing this day as a "day of salvation" where no one should be put to death, establishing his authority and magnanimity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the aftermath of a devastating civil war, where tribal loyalties, particularly those of Saul's tribe, Benjamin, were still volatile. Shimei, a prominent Benjamite, represented the lingering resentment and opposition to David's kingship from Saul's house. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's oath was an incredibly solemn and binding commitment, often invoked in the name of a deity, making it virtually inviolable. David's declaration of a "day of salvation" or "day of restoration" was a common practice in ancient monarchies, where a returning or newly established king would often declare amnesty or clemency to solidify his rule and foster unity, demonstrating divine favor and personal magnanimity. This act was crucial for healing the deep divisions caused by Absalom's rebellion and consolidating David's authority across all tribes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign"). Foremost is the theme of **Mercy vs. Justice**. David's decision to spare Shimei, despite the severe offense of cursing the king (a capital crime), highlights his capacity for mercy, contrasting sharply with Abishai's demand for immediate retribution. This act also underscores **Political Pragmatism**; by extending clemency to a prominent figure from Saul's tribe, David strategically worked to unify the kingdom and prevent further unrest, demonstrating wisdom beyond mere personal vengeance. The phrase "And the king sware unto him" emphasizes the **Weight of a King's Word and Oath**, signifying the solemnity and binding nature of David's promise, which was critical for establishing trust and stability in a fractured kingdom. This episode, when viewed alongside David's later instruction to Solomon concerning Shimei in [1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Concerning Shimei"), also introduces the theme of **Justice Deferred**, suggesting that while mercy may be extended in the present, ultimate accountability may still come to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"die" (Hebrew, _muth'_):** This verb signifies not merely physical cessation of life, but often carries the legal connotation of being condemned to death, facing execution, or being utterly destroyed. When David declares, "Thou shalt not die," he is issuing a formal pardon, a legal reprieve from the capital punishment that Shimei's actions (cursing the king, [2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei Curses David")) would typically warrant. It is a declaration of immunity from the immediate consequences of his treasonous behavior.
* **"sware" (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb means "to swear an oath," "to make a vow," or "to bind oneself by an oath." In ancient Israel, an oath was a profoundly serious commitment, often invoking the name of God as a witness, thereby making the promise sacred and inviolable. When David "sware unto him," he was not merely making a casual promise but was formally and publicly binding himself to his declaration of clemency. This act elevated his word to a covenantal level, ensuring Shimei's safety from David's direct hand and from any immediate retribution by David's loyalists.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the king said unto Shimei":** This introductory clause emphasizes David's direct and authoritative engagement with Shimei. It signifies that the king himself, not a subordinate, is making this crucial declaration, underscoring its importance and the personal nature of David's decision. It is a moment of direct confrontation and resolution between the wronged king and his former adversary.
* **"Thou shalt not die.":** This is the immediate and unequivocal declaration of pardon. It is a powerful statement of mercy, directly counteracting Abishai's demand for execution. This phrase grants Shimei immediate reprieve from the capital punishment his actions deserved, signaling David's intent to begin his restored reign with an act of grace rather than vengeance.
* **"And the king sware unto him.":** This final clause elevates David's promise from a mere statement to a formal, binding oath. By swearing, David invokes a higher authority (implicitly God) to witness and validate his commitment. This act provides Shimei with a solemn guarantee of safety, ensuring that David's word is immutable and publicly recognized, thereby solidifying the pardon and preventing any future attempts by others to exact immediate retribution on the king's behalf.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the stark difference between Abishai's vengeful demand for Shimei's death and David's magnanimous decision to grant him mercy. This juxtaposition underscores David's character as a king capable of both fierce justice and profound compassion. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Shimei, who hurled curses and stones at the fleeing king, now receives a life-saving oath from that very king upon his triumphant return. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, albeit subtly. While David swears Shimei will not die *by him* on *that day*, the reader, especially in retrospect, recognizes that this oath does not preclude future accountability. David's later instruction to Solomon concerning Shimei in [1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Concerning Shimei") implies that the offense was not entirely forgotten, setting the stage for Shimei's eventual demise under Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 2:46](/1_kings/2-46 "1 Kings 2:46 - Shimei's Death")), thereby demonstrating the long arc of divine and human justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's act of mercy towards Shimei, sealed by an oath, resonates deeply with theological themes of divine grace and the tension between mercy and justice. In this pivotal moment, David mirrors God's own character, who is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Mercy and Grace")). While Shimei deserved death under the law for cursing the Lord's anointed, David chose clemency, not just for political expediency but as an expression of a kingly heart that understood the value of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness. This act of grace, however, does not negate the principle of justice; rather, it demonstrates that justice can sometimes be deferred or administered through different means, often allowing for a period of grace. It highlights that true leadership, especially in a divinely appointed king, involves a delicate balance of upholding righteousness while extending compassion, reflecting the divine attributes that govern God's relationship with humanity.

* [Proverbs 20:28](/proverbs/20-28 "Proverbs 20:28 - Mercy and Truth Preserve the King")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David and Shimei provides a profound lesson in the complexities of forgiveness, leadership, and reconciliation. David's decision to spare Shimei, despite the profound personal insult and political challenge, demonstrates a strategic and spiritual wisdom that prioritizes the unity and healing of the kingdom over personal vengeance. It challenges us to consider that true strength, particularly in leadership, often lies not in immediate retribution but in the courageous act of extending mercy, even to those who have deeply wronged us. This act of grace can disarm enemies, foster reconciliation, and lay the groundwork for long-term peace and stability, both in personal relationships and within communities. It reminds us that while justice is important, mercy can be a powerful catalyst for transformation, reflecting a divine attribute that invites us to forgive as we have been forgiven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's decision to spare Shimei challenge our natural inclination towards immediate retribution when we feel wronged?**
* **In what situations might extending mercy be a more powerful and transformative act than demanding immediate justice?**
* **How can leaders, in any sphere, balance the need for accountability and justice with the desire for reconciliation and unity?**

### FAQ
**Why did David spare Shimei, given his past actions?**

Answer: David's decision to spare Shimei in [2 Samuel 19:23](/2_samuel/19-23 "2 Samuel 19:23 - David's Oath to Shimei") was a multifaceted choice, stemming from both spiritual and pragmatic considerations. Spiritually, David viewed his suffering at Shimei's hands during his flight from Absalom as potentially permitted by God ([2 Samuel 16:10-12](/2_samuel/16-10 "2 Samuel 16:10-12 - David's Acceptance of Shimei's Cursing")). He saw this day of his triumphant return as a "day of salvation" or restoration, a time for clemency and grace rather than bloodshed. Pragmatically, sparing Shimei, a prominent figure from Saul's tribe of Benjamin, was a shrewd political move. It demonstrated David's magnanimity, helped to heal lingering tribal resentments, and fostered unity in a kingdom deeply fractured by civil war, thereby consolidating his reign. It was an act of statesmanship designed to prevent further unrest and build trust.

**Was David's oath to Shimei broken later by Solomon?**

Answer: This is a common point of discussion. David's oath in [2 Samuel 19:23](/2_samuel/19-23 "2 Samuel 19:23 - David's Oath to Shimei") was a promise that Shimei would "not die" *by David's hand* on *that day* of restoration. It was an immediate pardon for his past offense. However, on his deathbed, David instructed Solomon concerning Shimei, saying, "Do not hold him guiltless, for you are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do with him, and bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood" ([1 Kings 2:8-9](/1_kings/2-8 "1 Kings 2:8-9 - David's Charge to Solomon Concerning Shimei")). Solomon did not immediately kill Shimei but placed him under house arrest with a strict command not to leave Jerusalem. When Shimei later violated this oath by leaving the city, Solomon executed him ([1 Kings 2:36-46](/1_kings/2-36 "1 Kings 2:36-46 - Shimei's Death")). Therefore, Solomon's action is generally understood not as breaking David's original oath, but as a consequence of Shimei's *own subsequent transgression* against Solomon's specific command, and as the delayed fulfillment of justice for Shimei's original sin and continued potential for sedition. David's oath was for *that moment* of return, not a blanket, lifelong immunity from all future accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's merciful oath to Shimei, a man who had publicly reviled him, serves as a powerful, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of the ultimate mercy and forgiveness extended by Jesus Christ. David, the earthly king, offered a temporary reprieve and a human oath, binding within its historical context but ultimately limited by human frailty and the demands of justice. In contrast, Jesus, the King of kings, offers an eternal covenant of grace. While David's mercy was a strategic act to unify a fractured earthly kingdom, Christ's mercy on the cross reconciles humanity to God, uniting all who believe into a new, eternal kingdom. Just as David declared a "day of salvation" where no one would die, Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the true "day of salvation" where all who trust in Him "shall not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He forgave those who crucified Him, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")), embodying a boundless mercy that transcends any earthly king's capacity. Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate oath, a divine and unbreakable promise of forgiveness and eternal life for all who, like Shimei, humble themselves and seek His grace, transforming enemies into beloved children of God and establishing a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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

1 Kings 2:46

So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

1 Kings 2:8

And, behold, [thou hast] with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

1 Kings 2:9

Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou [art] a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

1 Kings 2:37

For it shall be, [that] on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

Hebrews 6:16

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.

1 Samuel 28:10

And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

1 Samuel 30:15

And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.