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Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/16-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/10_2Sa_16_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 16:11 - Shimei Curses David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! 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How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out of my own body seeks my life; how much more now this Benjaminite? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, &#8220Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came forth from my body seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Look, my son [Absalom] who came from my own body, is seeking my life; how much more [reason] now [does] this Benjamite [have to curse me]? Let him alone and let him curse, for [it could be that] the LORD has told him [to do it]. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life —how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the LORD has told him to. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, &#8220Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life—how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the LORD has told him to. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then David said to Abishai and all his soldiers: My own son is trying to kill me! Why shouldn't this man from the tribe of Benjamin want me dead even more? Let him curse all he wants. Maybe the LORD did tell him to curse me. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David told Abishai and all his servants, "My own son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. Why, then, shouldn't this Benjaminite do this? Leave him alone. Let him curse, since the LORD has told him to do it. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> And David said to Abishai and to all his officials, "My own son is trying to kill me; so why should you be surprised at this Benjaminite? The LORD told him to curse; so leave him alone and let him do it. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> So David ordered Abishai and all of his staff: "Look! My own son wants to kill me! How much more now is this descendant of Benjamin? Leave him alone and let him go on cursing, because the LORD has ordered him to do this. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, ?Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. <a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "My own son, my very own flesh and blood, is trying to take my life. So also now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone so that he can curse, for the LORD has spoken to him. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Look, my son who came from my body seeks my life. So also now this Benjamite. Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjaminite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. <a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a> David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David says to Abishai, and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out of my bowels is seeking my life, and also surely now the Benjamite; leave him alone, and let him revile, for YHWH has commanded [so] to him; <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David saith unto Abishai, and unto all his servants, 'Lo, my son who came out of my bowels is seeking my life, and also surely now the Benjamite; leave him alone, and let him revile, for Jehovah hath said so to him; <a href="/slt/2_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will say to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold my son who came forth from my bowels seeks my soul: and how much more now the son of the Jaminite? Leave to him and he shall curse, for Jehovah said to him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the king said to Abisai, and to all his servants: Behold my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now a son of Jemini? let him alone that he may curse as the Lord hath bidden him. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the king said to Abishai and to all his servants: “Behold, my son, who went forth from my loins, is seeking my life. How much more does a son of Benjamin do so now? Permit him, so that he may curse, in accord with the command of the Lord. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants: “If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life, how much more might this Benjaminite do so! Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold, my own son, who came forth from my loins, seeks my life; so now let this Benjamite alone, let him curse; for God has bidden him. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> David said to Abishi and to all his Servants: “Behold, my son who came out from my loins seeks to take my life, and also, behold, the sons of my right hand. Let him insult! THE LORD JEHOVAH has spoken to him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants: 'Behold, my son, who came forth of my body, seeketh my life; how much more this Benjamite now? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David said to Abessa and to all his servants, Behold, my son who came forth out of my bowels seeks my life; still more now may the son of Benjamin: let him curse, because the Lord has told him. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4598" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Shimei Curses David</a> …10But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’ ” 11<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: ’ă·ḇî·šay (N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">Abishai</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and to all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my own son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4578.htm" title="4578: mim·mê·‘ay (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Internal organs, inward parts, belly. ">my own flesh and blood,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·qêš (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seeks</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life.</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: wə·’ap̄ (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">How much more,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">then,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1145.htm" title="1145: ben- (N-msc) -- A desc. of Benjamin. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1145.htm" title="1145: hay·mî·nî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Benjamin. ">this Benjamite!</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: han·ni·ḥū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">Leave him alone</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: wî·qal·lêl (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">and let him curse me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">for the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">has told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">so.</a> 12Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10-12</a> Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a> I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. <a href="/2_samuel/15-25.htm">2 Samuel 15:25-26</a> Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.” <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8-9</a> Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ / Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” <a href="/1_kings/11-14.htm">1 Kings 11:14</a> Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. <a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1-2</a> A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Psalm 7:1-5</a> A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, / or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. / O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, ... <a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19-20</a> Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. / Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/matthew/10-36.htm">Matthew 10:36</a> A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ <a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a> Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeks my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.Behold<a href="/2_samuel/12-11.htm">2 Samuel 12:11,12</a> Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun… came forth<a href="/2_samuel/7-2.htm">2 Samuel 7:2</a> That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.<a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4</a> And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.seeketh<a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a> Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">2 Kings 19:37</a> And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.<a href="/2_chronicles/32-21.htm">2 Chronicles 32:21</a> And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.the Lord<a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-7</a> O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation… <a href="/ezekiel/14-9.htm">Ezekiel 14:9</a> And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.<a href="/ezekiel/20-25.htm">Ezekiel 20:25</a> Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm">Bidden</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-11.htm">Invited</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-6.htm">Servants</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">Bidden</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">Invited</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-40.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Servants</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 16</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance</a> 5. <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">At Bahurim, Shimei curses David</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel</a> 20. <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahithophel's counsel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants David, the second king of Israel, is addressing Abishai, his nephew and a loyal warrior, along with his other servants. This moment occurs during Absalom's rebellion, a time of great personal and political turmoil for David. Abishai, known for his bravery and loyalty, often appears in the narrative as a protector of David, highlighting the king's reliance on his close circle during crises.Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life David refers to Absalom, his third son, who has initiated a coup against him. This betrayal is deeply personal, emphasizing the familial strife and the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy in <a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10-12</a>, where God foretold that calamity would arise from within David's own house as a consequence of his sin with Bathsheba. The phrase underscores the pain of betrayal from one's own family, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.How much more, then, this Benjamite! The Benjamite in question is Shimei, who is cursing David as he flees Jerusalem. The tribe of Benjamin was the tribe of Saul, Israel's first king, and there was lingering tension between Saul's supporters and David. Shimei's actions can be seen as an expression of this tribal animosity. The mention of Shimei as a Benjamite highlights the ongoing political and tribal divisions within Israel.Leave him alone and let him curse me David's response to Shimei's cursing is one of humility and resignation. Instead of retaliating, David chooses to endure the insults, possibly reflecting his awareness of his own failings and the belief that God may be using Shimei to deliver a message. This attitude of submission to God's will is reminiscent of Jesus Christ's teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a> about turning the other cheek.for the LORD has told him so David interprets Shimei's cursing as being allowed by God, suggesting a belief in divine sovereignty over human affairs. This perspective aligns with the biblical theme that God can use even the actions of adversaries to fulfill His purposes. David's acceptance of this situation reflects a deep trust in God's ultimate plan, paralleling the submission of Christ to the Father's will, even in suffering.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating humility and submission to God's will. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> The son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of David's loyal warriors. He is ready to defend David against Shimei's curses. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei</a> A Benjamite from the house of Saul, who curses David as he flees from Absalom. Shimei's actions are seen as a test of David's character and faith. 4. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who has rebelled against his father and seeks to take the throne of Israel. His rebellion is the backdrop for this event. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> God is central to this account, as David attributes Shimei's cursing to God's sovereign will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/submission_to_god's_sovereignty.htm">Submission to God's Sovereignty</a> David's response to Shimei's cursing shows his deep trust in God's control over all circumstances. We are reminded to submit to God's will, even when it involves personal suffering or humiliation. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> David's humility is evident as he refrains from retaliating against Shimei. Leaders today can learn from David's example of humility and reliance on God rather than personal power. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_criticism.htm">Responding to Criticism</a> David's reaction to Shimei's curses teaches us to respond to criticism and opposition with grace and patience, trusting that God will vindicate us in His time. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_restraint.htm">Forgiveness and Restraint</a> By not allowing Abishai to harm Shimei, David demonstrates forgiveness and restraint. This is a powerful lesson in controlling our impulses to retaliate against those who wrong us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16</a> <a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_shimei_to_curse_david.htm">(2 Samuel 16:5–8) How could God supposedly endorse Shimei’s hostile cursing of David if God is just and fair? </a> <a href="/q/does_david's_acceptance_of_cursing_contradict.htm">(2 Samuel 16:10–12) Does David’s acceptance of Shimei’s cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God’s anointed is forbidden? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_david_anointed_again_in_2_samuel.htm">In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_david_allow_saul's_heirs'_execution.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) How much more now may this Benjamite.--The "Benjamite" is in contrast to his own son, because he represents the adherent of another and rival dynasty. It is noticeable that David accuses Absalom not only of seeking his throne, but his life. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then David דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Abishai אֲבִישַׁי֙ (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his servants, עֲבָדָ֔יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant “Behold, הִנֵּ֥ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! my own son, בְנִ֛י (ḇə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son my own flesh and blood, מִמֵּעַ֖י (mim·mê·‘ay) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4578.htm">Strong's 4578: </a> The intestines, the abdomen, sympathy, a vest, the stomach, the uterus, the heart seeks מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after my life. נַפְשִׁ֑י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion How much more, כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction then, עַתָּ֜ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time [this] Benjamite! הַיְמִינִ֗י (hay·mî·nî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1145.htm">Strong's 1145: </a> Benjamite -- a Benjaminite Leave him alone הַנִּ֤חוּ (han·ni·ḥū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, and let him curse me, וִֽיקַלֵּ֔ל (wî·qal·lêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling for the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has told אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> so. כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:11 David said to Abishai and to all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>