2 Samuel 19:23

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

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

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

So the king said to Shimei, β€œYou shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him.

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

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 19:23

This verse marks a significant moment in King David's return to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion. Shimei, a Benjamite from the house of Saul, had previously cursed David and thrown stones at him while David fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:5-13). As David makes his triumphant return, Shimei is among the first to meet him, falling before the king and humbly begging for mercy, acknowledging his sin (2 Samuel 19:18-20). Abishai, one of David's loyal but fierce commanders, urges David to execute Shimei for his past insolence. However, David, in a display of mercy and political astuteness, declares that no one should be put to death on this day of his restoration to the throne, and he personally assures Shimei of his safety.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mercy and Forgiveness: David's decision to spare Shimei, despite the profound disrespect shown during his time of vulnerability, highlights his capacity for mercy. This act of forgiveness is crucial for unifying the kingdom after the divisive civil war.
  • The Weight of a King's Oath: The phrase "And the king sware unto him" emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of David's promise. A king's oath was considered inviolable, carrying immense authority and commitment.
  • Political Pragmatism: Beyond personal mercy, David's pardon of Shimei was a shrewd political move. By demonstrating clemency to a prominent figure from Saul's tribe, David helped to heal lingering resentments and consolidate his reign, preventing further unrest.
  • Justice Deferred: While David pardoned Shimei at this moment, the offense was not entirely forgotten. Later, on his deathbed, David instructed Solomon concerning Shimei, implying that he should not go unpunished for his past actions (1 Kings 2:8-9). Shimei was eventually put to death under Solomon's reign (1 Kings 2:46), showing that mercy can be balanced with eventual accountability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "sware" is shava' (שָׁבַג), which means "to swear an oath" or "to make a vow." This term often implies calling upon God as a witness, making the promise incredibly binding and sacred. David's oath to Shimei was not a casual statement but a formal, solemn commitment that legally and morally bound him.

Practical Application

The narrative of David and Shimei provides profound lessons for today. It challenges us to consider the power of forgiveness, even towards those who have deeply wronged us. Forgiveness, in this context, is not just an emotional act but can also be a strategic one that fosters peace and reconciliation within communities and relationships. It also reminds us that while mercy is a divine attribute, justice, whether immediate or delayed, often plays its role in the long run. Leaders, in particular, can learn from David's blend of compassion and wisdom in navigating complex human relationships and political tensions.

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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.