1 Kings 2:8

8 And there is also with you ¹Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day ²when I went to Mahanaim. ³But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword. ’

1 Kings 2:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 2:8

And behold [thou hast] with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a
Benjamite of Bahurim
Of whom, and of his native place, (See Gill on 2 Samuel 16:5); he was now at Jerusalem, and so with Solomon, or near at hand; and was on his side, and of his party; see ( 1 Kings 1:8 ) ; but not to be trusted, or looked upon as a real friend:

which cursed me with a grievous curse, when I went to Mahanaim;
a place on the other side Jordan, of which place, and the curses this man cursed David, with, see ( 2 Samuel 16:7 2 Samuel 16:8 ) ( 17:24 ) ;

but he came down to me at Jordan;
after the defeat of Absalom, and when David was returning, and humbled himself to him, and begged his pardon:

and I sware unto him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death
with the sword;
but this oath was not binding upon his successor, and especially should he commit a new crime.

1 Kings 2:8 In-Context

6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword. ’

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

10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

Cross References

• 1. 2:8 2 Sam. 16:5
• 2. 2:8 2 Sam. 17:24
• 3. 2:8 2 Sam. 19:18