Shimei’s Action

David’s son, Absalom, organized a rebellion and forced him to go into exile (2 Sam 15:6). But that rebellion was put to an end, and Absalom was eventually killed by Joab (2 Sam 18:14). While David was returning home to take his rightful place as king of Israel, Shimei and “a thousand men of Benjamin” (v. 17), met him. Shimei was the man who cursed David (2 Sam 16:7), and even threw stones at him during the rebellion! But now, Shimei comes humbly before David (v. 18). His attitude was a stark contrast to what he had displayed the last time they met. He tells David that he is his servant and also confesses that he “have sinned” (v. 20)!

Although we couldn’t really tell if Shimei was sincere, he seems genuinely sorry and was hoping that David would offer him forgiveness instead of holding the past against him (Prov 19:11). We can all learn from Shimei’s action by taking a moment to find something that speaks to our own hearts. We may have been hurt at some point in life that caused us to become vindictive. We said some hurtful words to either someone or about someone “like the piercings of a sword” (Prov 12:18).

 When this happens, we are to do what Shimei did. We are to go directly to the person we have offended (Mt 18:15). We are to confess what we have done (Jms 5:16), and seek their forgiveness (Mt 6:14)! When David saw Shimei’s humility, he responded by showing mercy (Mt 5:7), instead of vengeance (v. 23). In fact, his nephew, Abishai, wanted to kill Shimei (v. 21). But David prevented him and stood to protect the very person who had wronged him. What David did is a lesson for all of us who have been hurt before. As difficult as it may seem, true Christ-like attitude is to show kindness and forgiveness to others (Eph 4:32)! God bless you!



-Pastor Melito Barrera