2 Samuel 16:5-14

International Standard Version

Shimei Curses David

⁵ Later on, as King David approached Bahurim, Gera’s son Shimei, who was related to the family of Saul’s household, went out to meet David,^[a] cursing continually as he approached. ⁶ He threw rocks at David and all of David’s staff who were accompanying him, while all the rest of the entourage, including all of David’s security detail, were close by him.^{[b] 7} “Get out of here!^[c] Get out!” Shimei yelled as he cursed. “You murderer! You who think you’re above the law!^{[d] 8} The Lord has repaid you personally for murdering the entire dynasty of Saul, whose place you’ve taken to reign! And the Lord has given the kingdom into your son Absalom’s control. Now look! Your own evil has caught up with you, because you’re guilty of murder!”

⁹ At this point, Zeruiah’s son Abishai asked the king, “Why should this dead dog be cursing your majesty the king? May I have permission to go over and cut off his head?”

¹⁰ But the king responded, “What do I have in common with you sons of Zeruiah? If he continues to curse—and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David!’—then who are you to be demanding to know^[e] ‘Why have you done this?’”

¹¹ So David ordered Abishai and all of his staff: “Look! My own son wants to kill me! How much more now is this descendant of Benjamin? Leave him alone and let him go on cursing, because the Lord has ordered him to do this.^{[f] 12} Perhaps the Lord will take note of my troubles and return good to me instead of curses today!”

¹³ So David and his entourage went on their way, and Shimei walked along the hillside with him, cursing, throwing rocks, and tossing dirt at David^[g] as they went along. ¹⁴ Eventually, the king and his entourage arrived exhausted at their destination, and David^[h] refreshed himself there.