2 Samuel 16:5-14

Modern English Version

Shimei Curses David

⁵ When King David came to Bahurim, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he came out continuously cursing. ⁶ He threw stones at David and all of the servants of King David, as well as all of the people and all of the warriors who were at his right and left. ⁷ Shimei said when he cursed: “Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you scoundrel! ⁸ The Lord has returned upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. And the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. You are taken in your own evil, because you are a man of blood.”

⁹ Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “How can this dead dog curse my lord the king! Let me go over and remove his head.”

¹⁰ The king responded, “What do you have against me, sons of Zeruiah? Suppose that he curses because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who shall then say, ‘Why do you do so?’ ”

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and to all of his servants, “My son who came from my own body seeks my life, and now also this Benjamite. Leave him alone and let him curse if the Lord has so instructed him. ¹² Perhaps today the Lord will look upon my guilt and return kindness instead of his cursing.”

¹³ So David and his men continued on the road, and Shimei went along on the hillside beside them, cursing, throwing stones, and flinging dust at them as he went. ¹⁴ The king and all of the people who were with him arrived at their destination exhausted, but he refreshed himself there.