Shimei Curses David

And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David. —2 Samuel 16:5, 6

With sorrow, David turned his back on the capital he loved and made his way down the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. His followers trudged down steep, rocky paths, passing through natural ravines and bleak wastelands toward the distant river Jordan.

It was here that David once again encountered fierce opposition and scorn. Shimei, a Benjamite and a member of Saul’s family, cursed David and threw stones at him from a distance. “Shimei had not previously given any indication that he was disloyal to David. But as soon as adversity struck he showed his true colors. Where previously he had honored David, now he reviled and cursed him. Such a spirit is inspired by Satan, who delights to bring misery upon those who are already suffering misfortune.” Shimei shouted for David to get out of the country (2 Samuel 16:7). He accused him of having the blood of Saul’s family on his hands (v. 8).

“Shimei’s accusations against David were utterly false—a baseless and malignant slander. David had not been guilty of wrong toward Saul or his house. When Saul was wholly in his power, and he could have slain him, he merely cut the skirt of his robe, and he reproached himself for showing even this disrespect for the Lord’s anointed.” The Lord had rejected Saul and chosen David to lead the nation. Shimei’s charge was really against God! David’s nephew Abishai asked for authorization to lop off the head of the contemptible heckler.

David refused. Perhaps God told this man to curse David.

If so, why question God’s motives? Put into that perspective, this man was no threat. The real threat was Absalom, who wanted to kill his own father (vv. 11, 12).

This rude behavior could be expected from a member of Saul’s family.

David humbly accepted it as yet another trial he must endure.

Christians should sympathize with others who are experiencing tough times.