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Let me go over and cut off his head.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?” Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. “Let me go over and cut off his head!” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Abishai the 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.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Now let me go over and cut off his head.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, &#8220Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now, and cut off his head.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me pass over now and remove his head.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Abishai [David’s nephew], the son of Zeruiah, said to the king, “Why should this dead dog (despicable person) curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and remove his head! ” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, &#8220Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut his head off!&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Abishai said, "Your Majesty, this man is as useless as a dead dog! He shouldn't be allowed to curse you. Let me go over and chop off his head." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Abishai, Zeruiah's son, asked the king, "Why should this dead dog curse you, Your Majesty? Let me go over there and tear off his head." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Abishai, whose mother was Zeruiah, said to the king, "Your Majesty, why do you let this dog curse you? Let me go over there and cut off his head!" <a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> At this point, Zeruiah's son Abishai asked the king, "Why should this dead dog be cursing your majesty the king? May I have permission to go over and cut off his head?" <a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, ?Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!? <a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!" <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. <a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Abishai son of Zeruiah says to the king, “Why does this dead dog revile my lord the king? Please let me pass over and I turn aside his head.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Abishai son of Zeruiah saith unto the king, 'Why doth this dead dog revile my lord the king? let me pass over, I pray thee, and I turn aside his head.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Abishai son of Zeruiah will say to the king, Wherefore shall this dead dog curse my lord the king? I will pass over now and take away his head.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Abisai the son of Sarvia said to the king: Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? I will go, and cut off his head. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to the king: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go and cut off his head.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Abishai the son of Zoriah said to David, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Abishi son of Tsuriya said to David: “Why is this dead dog insulting my Lord the King? I shall take off his head!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king: 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abessa the son of Saruia said to the king, Why does this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over now and take off his head. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-9.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=4573" 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> …8The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” 9<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.">Then Abishai</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6870.htm" title="6870: ṣə·rū·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite woman. Feminine passive participle from the same as tsriy; wounded; Tserujah, an Israelitess.">of Zeruiah</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/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">should this</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/4191.htm" title="4191: ham·mêṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: hak·ke·leḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">dog</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: yə·qal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ’e‘·bə·rāh- (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">Let me go over</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">and cut off his head!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·’ā·sî·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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?’ ”…<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="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">1 Samuel 26:8</a> Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” <a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a> David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” <a href="/1_samuel/17-36.htm">1 Samuel 17:36</a> Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4-6</a> So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / 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/25-21.htm">1 Samuel 25:21-22</a> Now David had just said, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good. / May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one male belonging to Nabal survive until morning.” <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">2 Samuel 19:21</a> But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” <a href="/2_kings/1-9.htm">2 Kings 1:9-10</a> Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. <a href="/luke/9-54.htm">Luke 9:54-55</a> When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” / But Jesus turned and rebuked them. <a href="/matthew/26-51.htm">Matthew 26:51-52</a> At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. / “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. <a href="/john/18-10.htm">John 18:10-11</a> Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> 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.” <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a> My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.Abishai<a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30</a> So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.<a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6-8</a> Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee… dead dog<a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">2 Samuel 3:8</a> Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?<a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8</a> And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?<a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a> After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.curse<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.<a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5</a> Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.<a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a> Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.let me go<a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6-11</a> Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee… <a href="/job/31-30.htm">Job 31:30,31</a> Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul… <a href="/jeremiah/40-13.htm">Jeremiah 40:13-16</a> Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-14.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-14.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-21.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-26.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Please</a> <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Zeruiah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Zeru'iah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-13.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Zeruiah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">Zeru'iah</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 Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king Abishai, a prominent military leader and nephew of King David, often displayed loyalty and zeal for David's cause. Zeruiah, his mother, was David's sister, making Abishai a close relative. This familial connection highlights the personal nature of his defense of David. Abishai's role in David's military campaigns is well-documented, and his actions often reflect a warrior's perspective, prioritizing honor and swift justice.Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? The term "dead dog" was a common Hebrew expression of contempt, indicating worthlessness and insignificance. In the cultural context, dogs were not viewed as beloved pets but rather as scavengers. Abishai's indignation reflects the cultural and historical importance of honor and respect for the king, who was seen as God's anointed. The phrase underscores the gravity of cursing the king, which was considered a serious offense. This incident occurs during David's flight from Absalom, a time of great personal and political turmoil, adding to the tension of the moment.Let me go over and cut off his head! Abishai's proposal to execute Shimei, who was cursing David, reflects the harsh justice typical of the era. Beheading was a common form of execution, symbolizing the removal of a threat or dishonor. This response also illustrates the Old Testament principle of retributive justice, where punishment directly corresponds to the offense. Abishai's readiness to act contrasts with David's more measured response, highlighting themes of mercy and restraint. David's decision to spare Shimei can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's teachings on forgiveness and turning the other cheek, emphasizing a departure from the cycle of vengeance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> The son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, Abishai was a loyal and valiant warrior in King David's army. Known for his bravery, he often took initiative in defending David. 2. <a href="/topical/z/zeruiah.htm">Zeruiah</a> The mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. She is often mentioned in the context of her sons' actions and loyalty to King David. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his complex life of triumphs and trials. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has usurped the throne. 4. <a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei</a> A member of the house of Saul, who cursed David as he fled from Absalom. His actions are a significant part of the account, highlighting the tension and division within Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a> As David flees from Absalom, Shimei curses him, throwing stones and dirt. Abishai's response is to defend David's honor by suggesting a violent retaliation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/z/zeal_for_justice.htm">Zeal for Justice</a> Abishai's reaction reflects a zeal for justice and loyalty. While commendable, it must be tempered with wisdom and restraint. Christians are called to balance zeal with grace. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_insults.htm">Responding to Insults</a> David's restraint in the face of Shimei's curses is a powerful example of humility and trust in God's justice. Believers are encouraged to respond to insults with patience and faith. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a> David's refusal to harm Shimei demonstrates his trust in God's sovereignty over his life and reign. Christians are reminded to trust God's plan, even when facing opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a> Abishai's offer to kill Shimei contrasts with David's restraint. This highlights the power and importance of self-control and the wisdom in choosing peace over violence.<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/joab's_key_bible_achievements_lessons.htm">What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'pisseth'_imply_about_gender.htm">What does 'pisseth against the wall' indicate about gender roles?</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 href="/q/what_is_'every_spiritual_blessing'.htm">Is Jesus the prophesied Messiah?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Then said Abishai. Abishai's indignation was natural, and it is evident, from ver. 10, that Joab shared it. Shimei's conduct was abominable, and David finally condemned him to death for it (<a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8, 9</a>), having probably found that, even after his pardon, he was an implacable enemy. His revilings now must not only have been painful to David, but depressing to all the people that were with him, and there must have been many a murmur in the ranks at the king allowing such conduct to go unpunished. But he was in a state of great mental distress and self-condemnation. He had borne sorrow after sorrow since the day when, by his own great sin, he had opened the floodgates of wickedness; and now the son whom he dearly loved, and who had first been put wrong by a crime which might never have been committed but for his own example, was seeking both his crown and his life, and had made his cup of sorrow full to the brim and running over. At such a time of agony it was even a relief to have outward affliction to bear; for it brought the consoling thought that the Divine chastisement had its merciful limit. Jehovah had bidden Shimei revile him, and he would bear it because it was Jehovah's doing. "It may be that Jehovah will look upon my wrong, and that he will requite me good for his cursing of me this day." Go ever. Abishai's word is explained by ver. 13. David's route seems to have lain in a narrow valley, and Shimei, running along the ridge on one side, was near enough for his words to be heard, and for his stones to come near the king's retinue. Abishai, therefore, asked permission to cross over to Shimei's side of the steep ravine with a few men, who would seize him and put him to death. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Abishai אֲבִישַׁ֤י (’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 son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zeruiah צְרוּיָה֙ (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6870.htm">Strong's 6870: </a> Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman 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 the king, הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king “Why לָ֣מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what should this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that dead הַמֵּת֙ (ham·mêṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill dog הַכֶּ֤לֶב (hak·ke·leḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> A dog, a male prostitute curse יְקַלֵּ֞ל (yə·qal·lêl) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling my lord אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller the king? הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Let me go over אֶעְבְּרָה־ (’e‘·bə·rāh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on and cut off his head!” רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:10" /></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>