Letting Critics Curse - 2 Samuel 16:9-10

This is a daily devotional by Pastor David Guzik.
Enduring Words for Troubled Times.

[Traveller]

Lord jesus give me wisdom and your grace to continue my spiritual life with you

[joseotoya]

Thank you Pastor Dave for the words of exhortation and encouragement.

[mollyr.]

Thank you for the message. Always a great lesson to me that I.m grateful for.. Blessings

[jesussaves]

this is one of my favourite passages. to behave like this takes such great character.

[servingjesussinnersavedbyg]

Background history on Shimei - Shimei son of Gera, was a part of King Saul’s clan. When King David was forced to flee from his son Absalom, who coveted his father’s throne, Shimei met the king along the way: “As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left” (2 Samuel 16:5–6). Shimei blamed David for King Saul’s death during a battle with the Philistines. Saul had, in fact, fallen on his own sword to escape capture by the enemy (see 1 Chronicles 10:1–4); however, Shimei accused David of murder and announced that this was the reason Absalom was taking over the kingdom.


David’s men wanted to kill Shimei then and there, but David, in his despair, believed the Lord had sent Shimei to curse him (2 Samuel 16:11–12), and he refused to allow his men to kill Shimei. David and his party resumed their journey, and Shimei continued to follow, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at them (verse 13).

Eventually, Absalom’s rebellion was put down, Absalom was killed, and King David was restored to his throne. Shimei knew that he was now on shaky ground, so he gathered with him over a thousand Benjamites and went to meet David (2 Samuel 19:16–17). Falling on his face, Shimei apologized for his past behavior and begged the king not to hold it against him (verses 18–20). Again King David’s men asked to kill Shimei, but again David refused and gave Shimei his oath that he would not kill him.

It seems that Shimei was a thoroughly despicable man, however, and that he persisted in his opposition to David. On his deathbed, David charged Solomon with the task of executing Shimei: “Do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood” (1 Kings 2:9). The only reason Shimei was still alive was that David was honoring his oath. Solomon showed Shimei mercy, giving him one final chance: as long as Shimei remained in Jerusalem, he would live (verses 36–37). Shimei agreed to the pact, but three years later he left the city. When King Solomon found out, he called for Shimei and told him, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the Lord will repay you for your wrongdoing” (verse 44). Shimei was then executed (verse 46).

[FRN]

I love you David! Everything you said is so true!
_But_ may I add what I think was the _biggest_ reason why David reacted that way?
David knew the bad things happening to him were the result of his sin. God had promised him the such things would happen. I think David was thinking, "I deserve to be cursed, because I brought curses upon God's people."
David had sinned awfully, but he was wonderfully repentant, as we see in Psalm 51.

[servingjesussinnersavedbyg]

It's one thing to be heard (complaints) - it's another to raise a hand, throw a rock, weaponize and threaten. Follower of Christ, always be vigilant and ready to STAND against evil, and the evil one. Be properly dressed for battle. Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit, Belt of Truth, Shoes of the Gospel, Armor, Breastplate. You know the drill soldier. Do not be caught unawares.

[ihavetubes]

in Davids death bed, he told Solomon to go after him. Did God want him killed off because what he did to David? or was this on David for holding on to this grudge even into his death bed?

[servingjesussinnersavedbyg]

Not everyone is going to be your fan.
Not everyone is going to agree with what you do.
David showed great restraint, and also great memory ~ this had nothing to do about a grudge, but "wisdom".

If you have one who was loyal to one side (in this case let's say a drunken SF Giants fan), and you have one who has been true to Dodger Blue since the crib, you will have natural conflict - it is what we see these days in heated fights among the 50, 000 spectators onlookers in the stands in big time game events.

Now do these people easily change?
Once a dawg always a dog?

This is what David was telling Solomon at the time he was to begin his 40 yrs of peace. This man is a Benjamite. He feels scorned and torn. At any opportunity, he will bring you trouble, especially when vulnerable and volatile. Do not expect him to be on your side or a team player. You be wise. You will know what to do, should that time come up. And it did. Even Solomon showed mercy for 3 yrs until Shimei himself once again went back to his old ways of rabblerousing, leaving the safety of Jerusalem to perhaps instigate and stir up trouble again.