A Psalm of David, when he fled from Ab’sa-lom his son.
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah (Psa. 3).
Shimei was a Benjamite, of the family of Saul (2 Sam 16:5-12; 19:16-20; 1 Kings 2:8-9, 36-46), who met David at Bahurim as the aged king was fleeing from his son Absalom. In bitter and cowardly fashion, Shemei cursed and attacked. Apparently David’s flight to the Jordan led through a narrow ravine, on one side of which, or on the ridge above, stood Shimei in safety as he cursed and cast stones and dust at David and his men (2 Sam 16:5-6). He did this as a sign of contempt, abhorrence and loathing. Shimei was expressing his contempt of David (2 Sam 16:13). Throwing dust in the air was expressive of extraordinary rage and vindictive malice.
Shemei’s hatred of David who had displaced his royal kinsman Saul had smoldered long in his mean heart; and now the flame bursts out, as the aged and apparently helpless king fled before his own evil son. Believing that David would surely fall before Absalom, Shimei seized the long-coveted opportunity to pour out the hatred in his heart. But when David’s friend Abishai and his faithful servants would have crossed the ravine to administer justice to Shimei, the noble king forbade them with these remarkable words: “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. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” (2 Sam 16:11-12). After Absalom’s overthrow, as the king was returning victorious and vindicated, Shimei (knowing assuredly that his actions would now be required of him) met David at the Jordan with most abject confession and with vows of allegiance (2 Sam 19:16-23).
King David spared his life; but shortly before his death charged his son Solomon to see that due punishment should come to Shimei for his sins: “Thou shalt bring his hoar head down to Sheol with blood” (1 Kings 2:9). When he came to the throne Solomon summoned Shimei and required him to build a house in Jerusalem, to which he should come and from which he must not go out on pain of death (1 Kings 2:36-38). Feeling secure after some years, Shimei left his home in Jerusalem to recapture his escaped slaves (1 Kings 2:39-41), and as a consequence he was promptly executed by that gruesome avenger of blood, “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,” who “fell upon him,” as he had upon Adonijah and Joab, “so that he died” (1 Kings 2:46).