◄ 2 Samuel 16:6 ►
He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David's right and left.
Study Bible
And he pelted
The Hebrew root for "pelted" is "zaraq," which means to throw or hurl. This action signifies an aggressive and hostile gesture, reflecting the deep animosity and resentment that Shimei held against David. In the historical context, throwing stones was a common form of expressing disdain or executing judgment, often reserved for those considered guilty or cursed. This act of pelting is not just a physical assault but a symbolic gesture of rebellion against the anointed king of Israel.

David
David, the central figure in this narrative, is the anointed king of Israel, chosen by God despite his human flaws. His journey from shepherd to king is marked by divine favor and personal trials. In this moment, David is experiencing the consequences of his past sins, particularly the fallout from his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah. This scene is a humbling reminder of the complexities of leadership and the enduring nature of God's covenant, even amidst human failure.

and all the servants of King David
The "servants" here refer to those loyal to David, including his household and military personnel. Their presence underscores the loyalty and support David still commands, despite the rebellion led by his son Absalom. This loyalty is a testament to David's leadership and the respect he has earned over the years. It also highlights the tension between personal loyalty and political upheaval during this period of Israel's history.

with stones
Stones, in biblical times, were often used as instruments of execution or punishment, symbolizing judgment and condemnation. The act of throwing stones at David and his men is a public declaration of Shimei's belief that David is deserving of such judgment. This reflects the broader theme of divine justice and retribution that runs throughout the narrative of David's life, reminding readers of the serious consequences of sin and the importance of repentance.

though all the troops and all the mighty men
The "troops" and "mighty men" refer to David's elite warriors, known for their bravery and skill in battle. Their presence signifies the strength and protection surrounding David, even in times of personal attack and humiliation. This juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength serves as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the protection He offers to His chosen ones, even when they face opposition and scorn.

were on David’s right and left
The positioning of the troops on David's right and left symbolizes complete protection and readiness to defend their king. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right side was often associated with power and favor, while the left side represented support and defense. This imagery reinforces the idea that, despite the external threats and internal turmoil, David is surrounded by divine protection and loyal followers, illustrating the enduring nature of God's promises to His anointed king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David is a central figure in this passage, representing a leader under duress and a man after God's own heart.

2. Shimei
A member of the house of Saul, who is cursing and throwing stones at David. Shimei's actions reflect deep-seated animosity and bitterness towards David.

3. Absalom
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Absalom's rebellion is the backdrop of this event. Absalom's actions have forced David to flee Jerusalem.

4. Servants of King David
Loyal followers who accompany David during his flight, representing faithfulness and loyalty in times of trial.

5. Mighty Men
David's warriors, who are known for their strength and loyalty. They symbolize protection and support for David.
Teaching Points
Responding to Persecution with Grace
David's response to Shimei's cursing and stone-throwing is a powerful example of grace under pressure. Instead of retaliating, David chooses to trust in God's justice.

The Power of Restraint
In moments of provocation, exercising restraint can be a testimony of faith and character. David's decision not to harm Shimei demonstrates his reliance on God's sovereignty.

Loyalty in Times of Trial
The presence of David's servants and mighty men during his flight underscores the importance of loyalty and support in difficult times. Surrounding ourselves with faithful companions can provide strength and encouragement.

Understanding Bitterness and Forgiveness
Shimei's actions are rooted in bitterness from past grievances. This passage invites reflection on the destructive nature of bitterness and the freedom found in forgiveness.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
David's situation reminds us to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. His faith in God's ultimate justice and mercy is a model for believers facing trials.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to Shimei's actions reflect his character and faith in God? How can we apply this in our own lives when faced with hostility?

2. In what ways do the actions of David's servants and mighty men demonstrate loyalty? How can we cultivate similar loyalty in our relationships?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced provocation. How did you respond, and what can you learn from David's example of restraint?

4. How does the theme of forgiveness in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? What steps can you take to forgive those who have wronged you?

5. Consider the role of bitterness in Shimei's actions. How can holding onto past grievances affect our relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to release bitterness and embrace forgiveness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 24
David spares Saul's life, showing mercy and restraint. This connects to David's response to Shimei, highlighting his consistent character of mercy.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This teaching aligns with David's response to Shimei's cursing.

Romans 12:19
Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath. David's restraint in not retaliating against Shimei exemplifies this principle.
Sermons
Impatience and SubmissionC. Bosanquet, M. A.2 Samuel 16:1-14
Meekness Under Provocation2 Samuel 16:5-13
Shimei's CursesG. Wood 2 Samuel 16:5-13
The Forbearance of David Towards ShimeiC. Bradley, M. A.2 Samuel 16:5-13
The Reviling of ShimeiB. Dale 2 Samuel 16:5-13
People
Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, Ziba
Places
Bahurim, Jerusalem
Topics
Cast, David, David's, Guard, King's, Mighty, Officials, Servants, Special, Stones, Stoneth, Though, Threw, Troops, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 16:6

     5330   guard
     5557   stoning

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

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