THURSDAY 16 June, 2016

Stepping Over the Line

It may be that the Lordwill look on my affliction,and that the Lordwill repay me with good for his cursing this day.” And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust. - 2 Samuel 16:12-13

David knew his God.  When he willingly suffered affliction he looked to the Lord to bring good out of the evil done to him.  Shimei had stepped over the line; he went beyond what was accepted when he showed the depth of his anger and frustration. I can only imagine this scene; if he had a sword he would have killed David!

Later on, towards the end of David’s life, Solomon was prepared by his father to be the next king. He gave him wise advice concerning Shimei.  He made sure Solomon knew about his insolent behavior towards him during the time he fled from Jerusalem. During David’s reign Shimei was shown mercy.  However, David knew if he troubled him he would surely become a problem to Solomon in the future. 

Solomon, in establishing his kingdom, needed to make sure he took care of this man. In 1 Kings 2:8-9, we read David’s counsel to his son:

And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’  Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”

Solomon drew a line for Shimei not to cross over. He was to remain in the city of Jerusalem. If he left those bounds he would die. He later crossed that line and lost his life (1 Kings 2:36-46).

God will give the rebel what he chooses and what he deserves.

~Simon Austen~

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