Shimei Curses David as He Flees
2 Samuel 16:5-14
2 S.16.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- בחורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והנה: ADV
- משם: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוצא: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
- ממשפחת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- שמעי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יצוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומקלל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:8-13 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the episode: Abishai offers to kill Shimei for cursing David, and David restrains him—directly related to Shimei’s appearance and curse in 16:5.
- 2 Samuel 19:18-23 (structural): Resolution of the Shimei episode when David returns to Jerusalem: Shimei pleads for forgiveness and is temporarily spared by David, offering a contrast to the earlier cursing.
- 1 Kings 2:36-46 (thematic): Solomon’s later judgment against Shimei (ordering his death) shows a differing royal response to Shimei’s earlier actions against David, linking back to the incident in 2 Samuel 16.
- 1 Samuel 24:11-12 (thematic): David’s refusal to harm Saul despite being pursued and wronged offers a thematic parallel in David’s attitude toward enemies—helpful for interpreting his restraint with Shimei.
Alternative generated candidates
- And King David came to Bahurim; and behold, from there a man came out of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei son of Gera—he came out, came out, and cursed.
- And the king David came to Bahurim; and behold, from there a man came out from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei son of Gera—he came out cursing.
2 S.16.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסקל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- באבנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הגברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מימינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומשמאלו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 21:13 (thematic): A crowd stones Naboth to death (at Jezebel’s instigation) — a communal stoning as extrajudicial violence, paralleling the mob throwing stones at David and his men.
- John 8:59 (verbal): After Jesus’ words the crowd picks up stones to throw at him — the same verb/action of taking up stones to attack a perceived offender, echoing the image in 2 Sam 16:6.
- Acts 7:58 (thematic): Stephen is seized and stoned by a mob — another New Testament instance of popular stoning of a righteous figure, thematically paralleling mob violence against David.
- 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (thematic): Saul’s violent attempts on David’s life (spear thrusts) show recurrent internal hostility and lethal intent toward David within Israel, thematically akin to the later public assault in 2 Sam 16:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he hurled stones at David and at all the king's servants, and at all the people; and all the men on his right hand and on his left.
- And he cast stones at David and at all the servants of the king of David, and at all the people and at all the men on his right hand and on his left.
2 S.16.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכה: CONJ+ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעי: NOUN,pname,m,sg,abs
- בקללו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m
- צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבליעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:5-8 (structural): Immediate context: the fuller scene of Shimei’s jeering and cursing of David, of which v.7 is a central line (same words and speaker).
- 2 Samuel 19:16-23 (thematic): Later encounter in which Shimei seeks David’s pardon—provides a narrative contrast and resolution to the earlier curse.
- 1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46 (thematic): Solomon’s later dealings with Shimei recall the cursing of David and show the eventual practical consequences for Shimei’s conduct.
- Deuteronomy 13:13 (verbal): Uses the phrase “sons of Belial” (benē̄ beliʿyaʿal) as a technical pejorative for dangerous/treacherous men—background for the term “man of Belial” in 2 Sam 16:7.
- Judges 19:22 (verbal): Describes violent townsmen as “sons of Belial,” paralleling the moral/pejorative force of labeling someone a man of Belial in 2 Samuel 16:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as he cursed he said, "Out, out—man of blood! Man of Belial!"
- And as he cursed he said, 'Go away, go away, man of bloodshed and man of Belial!'
2 S.16.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- השיב: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- דמי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלכת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
- והנך: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- ברעתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.16.11-12 (structural): Immediate narrative response — David accepts the curse as from Yahweh and refrains from retaliation, highlighting divine judgment vs. human vengeance within the same episode.
- 2 Sam.19.20-23 (thematic): Later scene in which Shimei begs forgiveness of David after Absalom’s defeat; shows reversal and development of the curse-accuser relationship and themes of mercy and political consequence.
- 1 Kings 2.36-46 (structural): Solomon’s later treatment of Shimei (imprisonment and execution) provides the eventual political/legal outcome connected to Shimei’s earlier curse and actions against David.
- Ps.7.15-16 (verbal): Uses similar imagery of a violent man’s mischief/ blood returning upon his own head — a poetic formulation of retributive justice like the wish that blood return on Shimei.
- Gen.9.6 (thematic): Expresses the foundational principle that shedding human blood incurs retributive consequence (blood for blood), echoing the moral-legal background to Shimei’s accusation about David as a 'man of blood.'
Alternative generated candidates
- "May the LORD return on you all the blood of the house of Saul, which you shed when you reigned over him; and may the LORD give the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. Behold, you are in your evil, for you are a man of blood."
- 'May the LORD return upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead you have reigned, and may the LORD give the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom; and behold, you are in your evil, for you are a man of blood.'
2 S.16.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבישי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרויה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למה: ADV
- יקלל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הכלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המת: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אעברה: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,?,sg
- נא: PART
- ואסירה: VERB,qal,cohort,1,?,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.26:8 (verbal): Abishai again urges David to strike the king’s enemy (Saul), offering to kill him — a close verbal and situational parallel to his offer to behead Shimei in 2 Sam 16:9.
- 1 Sam.24:4-7 (thematic): David’s men urge him to kill Saul when the opportunity arises, but David refrains from harming the LORD’s anointed — thematically parallel to David’s restraint when Abishai proposes killing Shimei.
- 2 Sam.16:11-12 (structural): Immediate narrative response: David rebukes Abishai and refuses retaliation, invoking trust in the LORD’s will — the direct counterpoint to Abishai’s proposal in v.9.
- Matt.5:44 (thematic): Jesus’ command to bless and not curse persecutors echoes the ethic of non‑retaliation displayed by David when he forbids violence against one who curses him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head!"
- Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why does this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and take off his head.'
2 S.16.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מה: PRON,int
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ולכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- צריה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כה: ADV
- יקלל: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- קלל: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומי: PRON,interr
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מדוע: ADV
- עשיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 22:38 (thematic): Balaam is hired to curse Israel but declares that God controls his words—parallels the idea that a curse is permitted/ordained by the LORD rather than merely human intent.
- Genesis 50:20 (thematic): Joseph interprets hostile actions against him as used by God for good—echoes David’s resignation that Shimei’s cursing may be within God’s sovereign plan.
- 1 Peter 2:23 (thematic): Christ’s example of not retaliating when reviled parallels David’s refusal to confront Shimei and his acceptance of God’s prerogative over cursing and judgment.
- Isaiah 10:5 (structural): God’s use of an instrument of judgment (Assyria) to execute his purposes reflects the theme that hostile actors may be acting under divine commission or allowance.
- Job 1:21 (thematic): Job’s submission to loss as part of the LORD’s will resonates with David’s acceptance that the curse against him may be within God’s sovereign purposes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said, "What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? Let him curse—perhaps the LORD has told him to curse me.
- And the king said, 'What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? Let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction.'
2 S.16.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אבישי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הנה: PART
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממעי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1,m,sg
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- ואף: CONJ+ADV
- כי: CONJ
- עתה: ADV
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הימיני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הנחו: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקלל: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.24:11-12 (verbal): David spares Saul and refuses to avenge himself, arguing that God will judge—language and motive closely parallel his restraint toward Shimei.
- 1 Sam.26:9-11 (verbal): David again forbids Abishai from killing Saul, saying the LORD will strike him; similar directive to leave judgment to God.
- 2 Sam.19:21-23 (structural): The later encounter with Shimei after David's return repeats the theme of David's decision to leave Shimei unpunished and appeal to God's sovereignty.
- Rom.12:19 (thematic): Paul's injunction not to avenge and the citation 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord' parallels David's refusal to exact retribution and his deference to God.
- 1 Pet.2:23 (thematic): Christ's example of not answering reviling but entrusting himself to the righteous judge echoes David's restraint when cursed and his reliance on God's judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "See, my own son, one who came from my own body, seeks my life; how much more now, when a Benjamite has incited him? Let him curse—perhaps the LORD has told him to."
- And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, 'Behold, my son, one who came from my own bowels, seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has said to him.
2 S.16.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אולי: ADV
- יראה: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- והשיב: VERB,hip,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- קללתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.24:20-22 (verbal): Saul blesses David and prays that the LORD will repay him with good for David’s mercy—language and hope for God’s recompense closely parallel David’s wish that God turn the cursing into good.
- Gen.50:20 (thematic): Joseph interprets evil intended against him as used by God for good; parallels David’s hope that God will see his affliction and bring good out of the cursing.
- Rom.12:19 (allusion): Paul urges believers to leave vengeance to God—'Vengeance is mine, I will repay'—reflecting the same trust in God to address wrongs rather than personal retaliation.
- Job 42:10 (thematic): After Job’s suffering, the LORD restores and gives him blessing—an example of God looking on affliction and turning circumstances to good, resonant with David’s hope.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction, and repay me with good for his cursing this day."
- Perhaps the LORD will see and bring me back goodness instead of his cursing this day.'
2 S.16.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3ms
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמעי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בצלע: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעמתו: PREP+VERB,qal,infc,3,m,sg
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ויקלל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויסקל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- באבנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעמתו: PREP+VERB,qal,infc,3,m,sg
- ועפר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעפר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:5-8 (verbal): Immediate context: the same episode in which Shimei curses David, throws stones and scatters dust—16:13 continues this action and repeats the verbal/physical attack.
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (thematic): David spares an enemy (Saul) who could have been killed; both passages emphasize restraint toward a persecutor and respect for God's anointed despite provocation.
- 1 Kings 2:39-46 (structural): Later narrative resolution: Shimei (the same son of Gera) is eventually punished under Solomon for his earlier cursing/violence against David—connects the cursing incident to later judicial retribution.
- Acts 7:54-60 (thematic): Stephen is unjustly accused and stoned while calling on God—parallels the motif of an innocent or chosen figure receiving curses and stones from a hostile crowd and the theme of suffering without retaliatory vengeance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So David and his men went on their way; and Shimei went along the slope of the hill opposite him, walking and cursing as he went. He hurled stones at him and cast dust.
- So David and his men went on the road, and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, going and cursing as he threw stones and cast dust at him.
2 S.16.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- עיפים: ADJ,m,pl
- וינפש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Sam.17.29 (verbal): Uses similar language and situation: David and his men receive provisions and 'refreshed themselves there' at Mahanaim—close verbal/structural echo of rest and refreshment after flight.
- 1 Sam.30.6 (thematic): During a crisis David and his men are exhausted; David 'encouraged himself in the LORD.' Shares the theme of leader and followers wearied in flight and seeking refreshment/strength.
- 1 Sam.21.6 (structural): David, fleeing (from Saul), receives food from Ahimelech (the consecrated bread) which sustains him and his men—parallel narrative motif of fugitives being refreshed during escape.
- 1 Kgs.19.5-7 (thematic): Elijah, overcome with weariness, sleeps and is given food that restores his strength for the journey—a thematic parallel of exhaustion followed by refreshment to continue on.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king and all the people who were with him were weary; and there they refreshed themselves.
- And the king and all the people who were with him came weary, and there they refreshed themselves.
And King David came up to the summit, and behold, from there a man came out of the family of the house of Saul—his name was Shimei son of Gera—he came out, came forth, and cursed.
Stones were hurled at David and at all the king's servants; and all the people and all the warriors were on his right hand and on his left. And thus Shimei spoke as he cursed: "Out, out, man of blood! Out, out, man of Belial!"
"May the LORD repay you for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead you reigned; may the LORD give the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. See, you are in your ruin, for you are a man of blood!"
Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and I will take off his head." But the king said, "What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Who then will say to him, ‘Why have you done so?’" And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my son—he who came from my inward parts—seeks my life; how much more, then, this Benjamite? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has ordered him."
"Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction, and the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day." So David and his men went on their way; and Shimei went along the slope of the hill opposite him, going and cursing as he went. Stones were cast at him, and dust was thrown. And the king and all the people who were with him came weary, and there they refreshed themselves.