2 Samuel 16-4.14.22

Scripture

2 Samuel 16:5-13

Shimei Curses David

5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimeih son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. 6 He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. 7 As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”

9 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.”

10 But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’ ”

11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”

13 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.

Observation 

David is being cursed by Shimei because his family has been killed by David. David tells his men to not harm him. He says that if the Lord told him to curse him then leave him to curse him. David thinks that maybe God will see that he’s being wronged and that He will bless him. 

Understanding 

I love the way David responds. He could totally let his men handle this guy who’s not just hurling insults, but rocks as well. David trusts God so much that he leaves it in God’s hands. There are so many times that we try to fix things ourselves. We are worried about what others think about us that we forget that God is so much greater. He can and will work things out when we give it to Him. I love how David goes as far as to say that maybe God will even bless me for being wronged.  It would be so hard for me to let that slide. I’d wanna do something about it. Or I’d wanna justify my actions. This is why I love David so much. He continually puts things back in God’s hands. 

Life Application 

Lord, I pray that I may be a man after your own heart. May I put my trust fully in your hands. May I let you fight my battles. 

-Justin Eaves