¹⁶ while Gera’s son Shimei,^[a] a descendant of Benjamin from Bahurim, accompanied them to meet King David. ¹⁷ Ziba, the steward in charge of Saul’s household, and 1,000 descendants of Benjamin accompanied him, along with Ziba’s fifteen sons and 20 servants. They rushed toward the Jordan River ahead of the king ¹⁸ and forded it to assist the king at the crossing so he could do whatever he wished.

Just as the king was about to ford the Jordan River, Gera’s son Shimei fell down in front of the king ¹⁹ and addressed him,^[b] “May your majesty not hold me guilty. Don’t remember how your servant did wrong the day your majesty the king left Jerusalem. May the king not let it burden his heart, ²⁰ because your servant knows that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first one from the entire house of Joseph to meet your majesty the king.”

²¹ But Zeruiah’s son Abishai asked, “Why shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? After all, he cursed the Lord’s anointed!”

²² David replied, “What do you sons of Zeruiah have in common with me?^[c] You’ve become my enemies today! Should anyone be executed in Israel today? Don’t you know that I’ve been reinstated as king over Israel today?” ²³ Then the king addressed Shimei, “You won’t die!” affirming his promise with an oath.