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.

Now therefore hold him not guiltless {H5352}: for thou art a wise {H2450} man {H376}, and knowest {H3045} what thou oughtest to do {H6213} unto him; but his hoar head {H7872} bring thou down {H3381} to the grave {H7585} with blood {H1818}.

Now, however, you should not let him go unpunished. You are a wise man, and you will know what you should do to him - you will bring his gray head down to the grave with blood."

Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”

Now therefore hold him not guiltless, for thou art a wise man; and thou wilt know what thou oughtest to do unto him, and thou shalt bring his hoar head down to Sheol with blood.

Commentary

1 Kings 2:9 records a solemn and weighty command from King David to his son and successor, Solomon, concerning Shimei, a man who had previously cursed David.

Context

This verse is part of King David's final instructions to Solomon on his deathbed, detailed at the beginning of 1 Kings chapter 2. David is preparing Solomon for the daunting responsibilities of kingship, including dealing with lingering threats and ensuring the stability of the kingdom. Shimei, a Benjamite from Bahurim, had publicly and vehemently cursed David and thrown stones at him when David was fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5-13). While David had sworn to Shimei that he would not put him to death on the day he returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:23), David here charges Solomon to address Shimei's past treachery. David recognizes that while he made an oath, Shimei's actions were not innocent, and the long-term security of the throne required a just resolution for this act of disloyalty.

Key Themes

  • Justice and Accountability: Despite David's mercy at the time, Shimei's actions were a direct affront to the king and the anointed of God. David instructs Solomon that such disloyalty cannot go unpunished indefinitely, especially for the stability of a new reign.
  • Solomon's Wisdom: David implicitly trusts Solomon's discernment, stating, "for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him." This foreshadows the great wisdom God would grant Solomon, enabling him to handle complex situations with justice and understanding (see 1 Kings 3:9).
  • Royal Authority and Stability: David's charge ensures that potential threats to the monarchy are neutralized. Shimei's past actions demonstrated a rebellious spirit that could undermine Solomon's rule if left unchecked. The phrase "bring thou his hoar head down to the grave with blood" emphasizes the need for a decisive and fatal outcome.
  • Consequences of Actions: The verse highlights that even if immediate consequences are deferred, past actions can still have severe repercussions, especially when they involve disloyalty to authority.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "hoar head" refers to a head of white hair, signifying old age. It emphasizes that despite Shimei being an old man, his age should not exempt him from the consequence of his actions. "Bring thou down to the grave with blood" is a vivid idiom meaning to put him to death, indicating a violent end.

Practical Application

While we do not operate under the same monarchical system or Old Testament judicial laws, the principles of justice, accountability, and wise leadership remain relevant. This verse reminds us that:

  • Leadership Requires Discernment: Leaders, whether in family, business, or ministry, must exercise wisdom in addressing past wrongs and ensuring the well-being and stability of those under their care.
  • Actions Have Consequences: God is a God of justice, and while His mercy is vast, there are also consequences for rebellion and disrespect, both in the temporal and spiritual realms.
  • The Need for Resolution: Sometimes, difficult decisions must be made to secure future peace and order, even if they involve confronting past issues. Solomon later carried out this instruction, not impulsively, but by giving Shimei a chance to prove his loyalty, which he ultimately failed (see 1 Kings 2:36-46).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:6 (5 votes)

    Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

  • Genesis 44:31 (3 votes)

    It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad [is] not [with us], that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.

  • Genesis 42:38 (3 votes)

    And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

  • 1 Kings 3:28 (2 votes)

    And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.

  • Exodus 20:7 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

  • Job 9:28 (2 votes)

    I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.

  • Numbers 32:23 (2 votes)

    But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.