Shimei Forgiven

Shimei and one thousand Benjamites crossed over the Jordan to ferry David and his household across. They wanted David to know they harbored no ill will, but Shimei was at the ford because he feared David’s return! He realized it was better to apologize for his behavior, lest he be put to death. “Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king” (2 Samuel 19:19, 20). Basically, he was saying, “I did not really mean what I said. Do not take it seriously. I was just kidding.” He confessed his guilt and threw himself on the mercy of David, but Abishai insisted, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” (v. 21). “According to the customs of the time Shimei’s cruel cursing of David at the time of David’s flight would normally merit death, but Shimei had cast himself on David’s mercy and asked for forgiveness. David was willing to be lenient, whereas Abishai could think only of stern justice.” David “not only spared the life of Shimei, but mercifully forgave him. Had David possessed a revengeful spirit, he could readily have gratified it, by putting the offender to death.” “This was a time for mercy, not hard, cold justice. The occasion called for reconciliation, not a meting out of punishment upon all who had previously turned their backs upon David. The greatness and magnanimity of David was displayed on this occasion. The king attempted to win the nation back to himself by kindness and mercy. He indicated that all would be forgiven who wished to make their peace with him.” “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).