Keraia
1 Kings 2

1 Kings 2:42

The Execution of Shimei · 1 Kings 2:36–46
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Translations

Modern
…the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’
Traditional
And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
Literal
And the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Did not I make you swear by YHWH and give warning to you, saying, ‘On the day of your going out when you travel where and where, you will surely know that you will surely die’? and you said to me, ‘The word I have heard is good.’
Latin
Et mittens vocavit eum, dixitque illi: Nonne testificatus sum tibi per Dominum, et prædixi tibi: Quacumque die egressus ieris huc et illuc, scito te esse moriturum: et respondisti mihi: Bonus sermo, quem audivi?

Original

Hebrew
English
…the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’

Notes

1 Kings 2:39–46

Shimei went to Gath to find his runaway slaves. This broke the agreement he made. He did no cross the Kidron Valley, but both parties knew the penalty applied if he went anywhere else. Shimei broke his promise to the Lord (1 Kings 2:43) and had a history of hostility toward David (2 Samuel 16:5–13; 19:16–23). Because of this, Solomon told Benaiah to execute him.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon

Events

People

Shimei: Benjamite who cursed David during Absalom's rebellion

Glossary

Kings, Books of First and Second Palace Shimei Solomon (Person)

Topics

Falsehood of Shimei Government: Monarchical by Solomon Homicide: Felonious: Solomon Oath: So Does Shimei Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Lord Punishments were Inflicted by Order of Kings Shimei: A Benjamite: Curses David; David's Magnanimity Toward Swearing Falsely: Shimei