As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. As King David approached BahurimThe phrase "As King David approached Bahurim" sets the scene for a significant moment in David's life. Bahurim was a village in the territory of Benjamin, near Jerusalem. The name "Bahurim" is derived from the Hebrew root "בָּחוּר" (bachur), meaning "young men" or "choice ones," which may indicate a place of select or notable individuals. This location is significant as it was within the tribal lands of Benjamin, the tribe of Saul, David's predecessor. Historically, this area would have been filled with those loyal to Saul's house, setting the stage for the confrontation that follows. David's approach to Bahurim symbolizes his journey through adversity and the challenges he faced as a leader chosen by God, yet opposed by many. a man from the family of the house of Saul
This phrase identifies Shimei as a member of Saul's extended family, highlighting the ongoing tension between the house of Saul and David. The "house of Saul" refers to the lineage and supporters of Saul, Israel's first king, who was rejected by God in favor of David. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) often signifies not just a physical dwelling but a lineage or dynasty. This familial connection underscores the deep-seated animosity and political rivalry that persisted even after Saul's death, reflecting the broader theme of division and loyalty within Israel. whose name was Shimei son of Gera
The introduction of "Shimei son of Gera" provides a personal identity to the antagonist in this narrative. The name "Shimei" (שִׁמְעִי) is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This is ironic, as Shimei's actions demonstrate a refusal to listen to God's choice of David as king. "Son of Gera" further identifies Shimei's lineage, emphasizing his connection to the tribe of Benjamin and the house of Saul. This personal detail adds depth to the narrative, illustrating how personal and tribal loyalties can influence actions and attitudes. came out, yelling curses as he came
The action of "came out, yelling curses as he came" vividly describes Shimei's aggressive confrontation with David. The Hebrew word for "curses" (קִלְלָה, qelalah) implies not just verbal abuse but invoking divine judgment or misfortune upon someone. This act of cursing a king was a serious offense, reflecting Shimei's deep-seated resentment and defiance. Historically, cursing a king was seen as a challenge to God's anointed, as kings were considered God's representatives on earth. Shimei's actions highlight the intense personal and political animosity that David faced, even as God's chosen leader. This moment serves as a reminder of the trials and opposition that often accompany those who follow God's calling, yet it also foreshadows the grace and forgiveness that David would later extend to Shimei, exemplifying a Christ-like response to persecution. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of rebellion. 2. BahurimA village in the territory of Benjamin, near Jerusalem, where the event takes place. 3. Shimei son of GeraA member of Saul's family who harbors resentment against David and expresses it through cursing and throwing stones. 4. Absalom's RebellionThe backdrop of this event, where David's son Absalom has declared himself king, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. 5. Saul’s FamilyThe previous royal family of Israel, from which Shimei descends, providing context for his animosity towards David. Teaching Points Responding to Persecution with GraceDavid's response to Shimei's curses is a model of restraint and grace. Instead of retaliating, David trusts in God's justice. Understanding God's SovereigntyDavid acknowledges that God may have allowed Shimei's cursing for a purpose, demonstrating a deep trust in God's sovereign plan. Forgiveness and ReconciliationThe later reconciliation between David and Shimei shows the power of forgiveness and the importance of seeking peace. The Danger of BitternessShimei's actions are fueled by longstanding bitterness, serving as a warning against allowing resentment to take root in our hearts. Humility in LeadershipDavid's humility in accepting criticism, even when unjust, is a powerful example for leaders in any context. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to Shimei's cursing reflect his character and relationship with God? How can we apply this to our own lives when facing criticism or persecution? 2. In what ways does the historical context of Saul's family and David's rise to power influence Shimei's actions? How can understanding context help us in interpreting conflicts in our own lives? 3. How does David's handling of Shimei compare to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about loving our enemies? What practical steps can we take to live out these teachings? 4. What role does forgiveness play in the account of David and Shimei, and how can we apply this principle in our relationships today? 5. How can we guard against bitterness and resentment in our own lives, as seen in Shimei's actions? What scriptures can help us in this process? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15-31Provides background on Saul's reign and his relationship with David, explaining the historical animosity between Saul's house and David. 2 Samuel 19:16-23Describes the later reconciliation between David and Shimei, highlighting themes of forgiveness and mercy. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you, which parallels David's response to Shimei. Romans 12:14-21Paul's exhortation to bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good, reflecting David's restraint. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Approached, Bahurim, Bahu'rim, Behold, Calling, Clan, Continually, Cursed, Curses, Cursing, David, Family, Forth, Gera, Kept, Named, Reviling, Saul, Saul's, Shimei, Shim'e-i, ThenceDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:5-8 5550 speech, negative
8787 opposition, to God 2 Samuel 16:5-11 6655 forgiveness, application 2 Samuel 16:5-12 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 16:5-13 5964 temper Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:5 NIV2 Samuel 16:5 NLT2 Samuel 16:5 ESV2 Samuel 16:5 NASB2 Samuel 16:5 KJV
2 Samuel 16:5 Commentaries
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