1 Kings 2:39

39 But three years later two of Shimei's slaves ran away to Achish king of Gath, who was the son of Maacah. Shimei heard that his slaves were in Gath,

1 Kings 2:39 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 2:39

And it came to pass, at the end of three years
He had dwelt at Jerusalem:

that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of
Maachah king of Gath; and they told Shimei, saying, behold, thy servant
[be] in Gath;
he being a churlish, ill-natured man, always cursing or beating them, or imposing too hard service upon them, or not allowing them the necessaries of life; wherefore they broke away from him, and fled to Gath, and put themselves under the protection of the king of that place, who was now at peace with Israel, and a tributary to them: if this Achish was the same that was David's friend, who sheltered him when persecuted by, Saul, he must be an old man; for that was between forty or fifty years ago; and as he seems to be, since he is called the son of Maoch, ( 1 Samuel 27:2 ) ; which may be thought to be the same with Maachah here.

1 Kings 2:39 In-Context

37 The very day you leave and cross the Kidron Valley, someone will kill you, and it will be your own fault."

38 So Shimei answered the king, "I agree with what you say. I will do what you say, my master and king." So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

39 But three years later two of Shimei's slaves ran away to Achish king of Gath, who was the son of Maacah. Shimei heard that his slaves were in Gath,

40 so he put his saddle on his donkey and went to Achish at Gath to find them. Then he brought them back from Gath.

41 Someone told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned.