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2 Samuel 19:23 So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king swore an oath to him.
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And the king sware unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” The king also swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” Thus the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not be put to death.” And so the king gave him his promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” Then the king gave him his oath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” Then the king gave him his oath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then David promised Shimei that he would not be killed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king promised Shimei, "You won't die," and the king swore to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And he said to Shimei, "I give you my word that you will not be put to death." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king addressed Shimei, "You won't die!" affirming his promise with an oath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to Shimei, ?You shall not die.? And the king swore an oath to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king said to Shimei, "You won't die." The king vowed an oath concerning this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Shimei, "You will not die." And the king gave him his oath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore the king said to Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” The king swore to him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to Shimei, “You do not die”; and the king swears to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith unto Shimei, 'Thou dost not die;' and the king sweareth to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to Shimei, Thou shalt not die: and the king will swear to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to Semei: Thou shalt not die. And he swore unto him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And he swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to Shimei. You shall not die. And the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The King said to Shemei: “Surely, you shall not die!” And the King swore to him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king said unto Shimei: 'Thou shalt not die.' And the king swore unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to Semei, Thou shalt not die: and the king swore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/19-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/19.htm">Shimei Pardoned</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">So the king</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/8096.htm" title="8096: šim·‘î (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a number of Isr. From shema'; famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites.">Shimei,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“You shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ṯā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">And the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swore an oath</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a></span><br />Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a></span><br />Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a></span><br />Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a></span><br />Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a></span><br />And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a></span><br />Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17-21</a></span><br />‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a></span><br />Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Numbers 14:18</a></span><br />‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8-12</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. / He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. / He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore the king said to Shimei, You shall not die. And the king swore to him.</p><p class="hdg">Thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8,9,37,46</a></b></br> And, behold, <i>thou hast</i> with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword… </p><p class="hdg">sware</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-10.htm">1 Samuel 28:10</a></b></br> And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-15.htm">1 Samuel 30:15</a></b></br> And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a></b></br> For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation <i>is</i> to them an end of all strife.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-22.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-8.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-28.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Shimei</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Shim'e-I</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-10.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">Die</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-21.htm">Shimei</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-21.htm">Shim'e-I</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-29.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">Joab causes the king to cease his mourning</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-11.htm">David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Shimei is pardoned</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">Mephibosheth excused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/19.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/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the king said to Shimei,</b><br>This phrase refers to King David, who is addressing Shimei, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Shimei had previously cursed David during Absalom's rebellion (<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5-13</a>). The context here is David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's defeat. Shimei approaches David at the Jordan River, seeking forgiveness. This encounter highlights the themes of mercy and reconciliation, which are central to David's character and reign.<p><b>“You shall not die.”</b><br>David's declaration of mercy towards Shimei is significant, as it contrasts with the expected retribution for Shimei's earlier actions. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, cursing a king was a serious offense, often punishable by death. David's decision to spare Shimei reflects his desire to unify the kingdom and move past the civil strife caused by Absalom's rebellion. This act of clemency can be seen as a type of Christ, who also offers forgiveness and grace to those who repent.<p><b>And the king swore an oath to him.</b><br>By swearing an oath, David makes a solemn and binding promise to Shimei, further emphasizing the seriousness of his commitment to mercy. In biblical times, oaths were considered sacred and inviolable, often invoking God's name as a witness. This act underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in leadership. David's oath can be connected to other scriptural instances where oaths play a crucial role, such as God's covenant with Abraham (<a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Genesis 22:16-18</a>) and Jesus' teachings on the sanctity of one's word (<a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, David is the king of Israel who is returning to Jerusalem after the rebellion of his son Absalom. He is known for his heart after God and his complex character, which includes both great faith and significant moral failings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei</a></b><br>A member of the tribe of Benjamin, Shimei had previously cursed David during Absalom's rebellion. In this passage, he seeks forgiveness from David as the king returns to power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom's_rebellion.htm">Absalom's Rebellion</a></b><br>This was a significant event where David's son, Absalom, attempted to overthrow his father and take the throne of Israel. The rebellion ultimately failed, leading to Absalom's death and David's return to Jerusalem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel and the center of political and spiritual life for the nation. David's return to Jerusalem signifies the restoration of his kingship.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oath.htm">The Oath</a></b><br>David swears an oath to Shimei, promising that he will not be put to death for his previous actions. This oath is significant as it reflects David's decision to show mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_mercy.htm">The Power of Mercy</a></b><br>David's decision to spare Shimei's life exemplifies the power of mercy. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend mercy to others, even when it is undeserved.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_forgiveness.htm">The Importance of Forgiveness</a></b><br>Forgiveness is a central theme in the Christian life. David's forgiveness of Shimei serves as a model for us to forgive those who have wronged us, reflecting God's forgiveness towards us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_forgiveness.htm">The Role of Leadership in Forgiveness</a></b><br>As a leader, David's choice to forgive Shimei sets a precedent for his followers. Leaders in any capacity should model forgiveness and grace, influencing others to do the same.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_oaths_and_promises.htm">The Significance of Oaths and Promises</a></b><br>David's oath to Shimei underscores the importance of keeping our promises. As Christians, our word should be trustworthy and reflect our commitment to integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david's_promise_to_shimei_change.htm">How can 2 Samuel 19:18–23 reconcile David’s promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8–9) commanding his execution?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_joab's_ruse_reveal_a_plot_hole.htm">2 Samuel 14:2-3: Does Joab's use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_killed_goliath__david_or_elhanan.htm">Who killed Goliath? David (I Samuel 17:23, 50) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_speak_after_his_'last_words'.htm">(2 Samuel 23:2-3) If these are David's 'last words,' why do other chapters describe David speaking afterward?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The king sware unto him.</span>--This oath of David assuring immunity to Shimei brings to mind his dying charge to Solomon concerning him (<a href="/context/1_kings/2-8.htm" title="And, behold, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I swore to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put you to death with the sword.">1Kings 2:8-9</a>): "His hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood." The whole transaction is to be viewed from a political point. Shimei had been guilty of high treason in David's distress; at his return he had confessed his fault, and exerted himself to help on David's restoration to the throne. He had accordingly been pardoned, and David, somewhat rashly, had confirmed this pardon with an oath, in such a way that he was unable to punish any subsequent treasonable tendencies showing themselves in Shimei. From the character of the man, however, and from Solomon's address to him in <a href="/1_kings/2-44.htm" title="The king said moreover to Shimei, You know all the wickedness which your heart is privy to, that you did to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return your wickedness on your own head;">1Kings 2:44</a>, it is plain that he remained thoroughly disloyal. David saw this, and hindered by his oath from treating him as he deserved, pointed out the case to Solomon. Solomon settled the matter by a compact (into which Shimei willingly entered), that his life should be forfeited whenever he should go out of Jerusalem. There he was under supervision; elsewhere he could not be trusted. After a few years he violated this condition, and was executed. David had made a rash oath, and observed it to the letter, but no farther, towards a thorough traitor.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The king sware unto him.</span> David's magnanimity was not the result merely of policy, but also of joyful feeling at seeing all the tribes so readily welcome him back to the throne. But in spite of his oath, he orders Solomon to execute him, regarding what he had done as a sin past forgiveness. In so doing we can hardly acquit David of breaking his oath, even granting that Shimei's repentance was insincere, and that the motive of his actions was the desire simply to save his life. But we must remember that our Lord described his injunction, "that ye love one another," as "a new commandment" (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>); and the utmost that can be said in David's favour is that his character was generous and full of chivalry. A half excuse may be found for his order in the supposition that Shimei was an inveterate conspirator, and dangerous to Solomon's peace. This view seems confirmed by the command given to Shimei to build a house at Jerusalem (<a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">1 Kings 2:36</a>), where he would always be under surveillance. But had not David himself praised the man who "sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not" (<a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a>)? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/19-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֧אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shimei,</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְעִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(šim·‘î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8096.htm">Strong's 8096: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“You shall not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die.”</span><br /><span class="heb">תָמ֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ṯā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swore an oath</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׁ֥בַֽע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him.</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/19-23.htm">2 Samuel 19:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/19-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 19:23 The king said to Shimei You shall (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/19-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 19:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 19:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 19:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 19:24" /></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>