2 Samuel 16:12

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."

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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

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

2 Samuel 16:12 In-Context

10 And the king said, "What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, `Curse David.' Who shall then say, `Why hast thou done so?'"

11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my son, who came forth from my loins, seeketh my life. How much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD hath bidden him.

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."

13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and cast dust.

14 And the king and all the people who were with him became weary and refreshed themselves there.