1 Kings 2:41

And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

And it was told {H5046} Solomon {H8010} that Shimei {H8096} had gone {H1980} from Jerusalem {H3389} to Gath {H1661}, and was come again {H7725}.

Shlomo was told that Shim'i had gone from Yerushalayim to Gat and back.

When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned,

And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

Commentary

Context

This verse reports a critical event in King Solomon's early reign, specifically concerning Shimei, a Benjaminite from Bahurim. Shimei had previously cursed King David during Absalom's rebellion. Though David had spared Shimei's life at the time, he instructed Solomon to deal with him justly (1 Kings 2:8-9). Upon ascending the throne, Solomon summoned Shimei and made him swear a solemn oath not to leave Jerusalem, warning him that the day he crossed the Kidron Valley, he would die. Shimei agreed to these terms and lived in Jerusalem for three years.

Verse 41 reveals the breaking point: Shimei's servants fled to Gath, a Philistine city (modern Tell es-Safi), and Shimei, prioritizing his property over his oath, went to retrieve them. This act of leaving Jerusalem, even for a seemingly practical reason, was a direct violation of the strict command given by Solomon, which was then reported back to the king.

Key Themes

  • The Weight of Oaths: The narrative highlights the profound importance of keeping one's word, especially a solemn oath made before God and king. In ancient Israel, such vows were not taken lightly, and breaking them carried severe consequences.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Shimei's actions demonstrate that disregard for authority and broken promises inevitably lead to negative repercussions. His journey to Gath, though brief, sealed his fate.
  • Solomon's Justice and Authority: This incident serves as a clear demonstration of Solomon's commitment to upholding justice and establishing the absolute authority of his throne, fulfilling his father David's charge to ensure stability and order in the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "and was come again" simply translates the Hebrew verb ื•ึทื™ึธึผืฉึนืื‘ (vayyashov), meaning "and he returned." The emphasis is not on the act of returning itself, but on the fact that he completed the prohibited journey. The crucial element is the violation of the oath that restricted his movement, not the destination or his return.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of the enduring principle that our words have weight, and our promises should be kept. Whether it's a formal oath or a simple commitment, integrity demands faithfulness. It also underscores the biblical truth that actions have consequences; choices made in defiance of established boundaries, whether human or divine, will ultimately lead to accountability. For believers, this serves as a call to let our 'yes' be 'yes' and our 'no' be 'no', living with integrity before God and others.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.