2 Samuel 16:12

12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”

2 Samuel 16:12 in Other Translations

KJV
12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
ESV
12 It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today."
NLT
12 And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”
MSG
12 And who knows, maybe God will see the trouble I'm in today and exchange the curses for something good."
CSB
12 Perhaps the Lord will see my affliction and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei's curses today."

2 Samuel 16:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 16:12

It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction
Through the rebellion of his son, and now aggravated by the cursing of Shimei; that is, with an eye of pity and commiseration, and deliver him out of it: or "look upon my eye" F24; for there is a various reading; the tear of mine eye, as the Targum; so Jarchi and R. Isaiah; the tears in it, which fell plentifully from it, on account of his troubles, and particularly the curses and reproaches of Shimei:

and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day;
he does not speak with assurance, yet with hope; he knew his sins deserved such treatment, but also that God was gracious and merciful, and pitied his children, and resented all ill usage of them; and therefore hoped he would favour him with such intimations of his love as would support him, comfort, refresh him, and do him good, see ( Romans 8:28 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F24 (ynyeb) "in oculum meum", Montanus; "oculum meum lachrymantem", Munster.

2 Samuel 16:12 In-Context

10 But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’ ”
11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”
13 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.
14 The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Psalms 4:1; Psalms 25:18
  • 2. Deuteronomy 23:5; Romans 8:28
  • 3. Psalms 109:28
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