From among David's sons would come the successor to the kingdom of Israel. But it would be God's choice, and the people would accept it. So Solomon became king and sat on the throne in his father's place. Solomon was called a wise man by his father and was given the task of executing Shimei, who had done evil to David when he was fleeing from Absalom. David let the new king decide how Shimei would be punished.

       After his father's death, Solomon sent for Shimei and reminded him that he had cursed David by following him and throwing stones at him: Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. (1 Kings 2.36) Shimei thought he had been warned, but because he had an evil heart, he would err again. Watch out!

        Solomon made it clear that if he left the city of the great King, he would die, and it would only be his fault: For it shall be, on the day you go out and cross the Brook Kidron, know for certain you shall surely die; your blood shall be on your own head.” (1 Kings 2.37). There's no way that someone could flout a royal order and stay alive, because at that time, the king had that prerogative, he was the law. However, Shimei watched and did not transgress, living within the imposed limit.

      The Word states that Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. (1 Kings 2.38). Despite this agreement, he decided to leave without asking permission. After all, in his mind, the motive was just, even though he knew the punishment he would suffer. We must keep to the letter of what we agree with King Jesus, because penalties will come if we don't obey Him.

      We need to keep a watchful eye on the instructions of Scripture, so that we never go off track. We have to put our attention on the Word, because God will judge us by our actions. The Bible says: Now it happened at the end of three years, that two slaves of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, “Look, your slaves are in Gath! (1 Kings 2.39). Shimei didn't even care that he wasn't allowed to fetch the servants, so he went on his way!

          Our attitudes bear witness to the Lord, who will never fail to honor His declarations. If we break our commitment to him, we will be punished. Some saw Shimei and his servants in Gath and told the king: And Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had come back. (1 Kings 2.41). Anyone who doesn't honor their vow to God will suffer the consequences. Respect your covenant with the Lord!

        Shimei should have been killed for the wickedness committed against David. When Absalom was killed and David returned to reign, he sought him out and asked for clemency so that he could stay alive. David told Solomon that he should judge the misguided man wisely, and he did!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares