¹³ the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives,

⁴ And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi^(A) may continue,” says the Lord Almighty. ⁵ “My covenant was with him, a covenant^(B) of life and peace,^(C) and I gave them to him; this called for reverence^(D) and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. ⁶ True instruction^(E) was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked^(F) with me in peace^(G) and uprightness,^(H) and turned many from sin.^(I)

⁷ “For the lips of a priest^(J) ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger^(K) of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.^{(L) 8} But you have turned from the way^(M) and by your teaching have caused many to stumble;^(N) you have violated the covenant^(O) with Levi,”^(P) says the Lord Almighty. ⁹ “So I have caused you to be despised^(Q) and humiliated^(R) before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality^(S) in matters of the law.”^(T)

Gershonites

⁷ Belonging to the Gershonites:^(A)

²⁷ Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children; so their entire clan did not become as numerous as the people of Judah.

⁸ But Zadok^(A) the priest, Benaiah^(B) son of Jehoiada, Nathan^(C) the prophet, Shimei^(D) and Rei and David’s special guard^(E) did not join Adonijah.

Shimei Curses David

⁵ As King David approached Bahurim,^(A) a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei^(B) son of Gera, and he cursed^(C) as he came out.