1 Kings 2:32-46 ▼

32 The LORD {YHWH} will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David (beloved) he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner (my father is a lamp) son of Ner (lamp), commander of Israel’s (he wrestles with God) army, and Amasa (burden) son of Jether (abundance), commander of Judah’s (praised) army.

33 Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab (YHWH is father) and his descendants forever; but for David (beloved), his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD {YHWH} forever.”

34 So Benaiah (YHWH has built up) son of Jehoiada (YHWH knows) went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.

35 And the king appointed Benaiah (YHWH has built up) son of Jehoiada (YHWH knows) in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok (righteous) the priest in Abiathar’s (my father is great) place.

36 Then the king summoned Shimei (renowned) and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem (city of peace) and live there, but do not go anywhere else.

37 On the day you go out and cross the Kidron (dark) Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.”

38 “The sentence is fair,” Shimei (renowned) replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem (city of peace) for a long time.

39 After three years, however, two of Shimei’s (renowned) slaves ran away to Achish (I will blacken) son of Maacah (Maoch), king of Gath (winepress). And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.”

40 So Shimei (renowned) saddled his donkey and set out to Achish (I will blacken) at Gath (winepress) in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath.

41 When Solomon (peace) was told that Shimei (renowned) had gone from Jerusalem (city of peace) to Gath (winepress) and had returned,

42 the king summoned Shimei (renowned) and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD {YHWH} and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’

43 So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD {YHWH} and the command that I gave you?”

44 The king (renowned) also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David (beloved). Therefore the LORD {YHWH} will bring your evil back upon your head.

45 But King Solomon (peace) will be blessed and David’s (beloved) throne will remain secure before the LORD {YHWH} forever.”

46 Then the king commanded Benaiah (YHWH has built up) son of Jehoiada (YHWH knows), and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon (peace).