1Ki 2:44 | KingComments | STEP | Shimei gets the chance to prove his obedience by coming to and living in Jerusalem, near Solomon. He is told where the limits of his freedom of movement lie. Jerusalem becomes his prison. He agrees with the terms and conditions. The language he uses is reminiscent of the consent of the people of Israel to the conditions for obtaining the blessing of God ( ). It will be with Simeï as it was with Israel, for just as Israel did not keep its promise, he does not keep his promise. Shimei calls for judgment upon himself by not keeping the promise made. Here we see the person who does not know himself. It can take a long time, but then what is in his heart is revealed. Shimei adheres to the conditions, until two slaves run away, resulting in a personal loss. He can’t let that go. Therefore, he crosses the limits that have been set for him and breaks the oath he has made about it. His runaway slaves are more important than his promise to Solomon to be obedient. Solomon hears it and gets him brought to him. He reminds him of the appointment. He also reminds him of what he did to his father David and that he did so consciously. Solomon orders Benaiah to kill him. The judgment is carried out quickly, as is appropriate for a king who rules in justice. In what Shimei does, we see the principle that a person can win the whole world, but can lose his soul ( ). What use is it to Shimei that he has his servants back, while it costs him his life? People can admit that they are sinners without drawing the right conclusions. In contrast to this unfaithful conduct, David’s throne stands forever. Solomon is established in the kingship when he has removed all stumbling blocks from his kingdom (cf. ). Thus, the Christian will know and enjoy the peace of God if he removes from his life everything that prevents his life from being ruled by the Lord Jesus as the Prince of peace.

‏ 1 Kings 2:44

Solomon Deals With Shimei

Shimei gets the chance to prove his obedience by coming to and living in Jerusalem, near Solomon. He is told where the limits of his freedom of movement lie. Jerusalem becomes his prison. He agrees with the terms and conditions. The language he uses is reminiscent of the consent of the people of Israel to the conditions for obtaining the blessing of God (Exo 19:8). It will be with Simeï as it was with Israel, for just as Israel did not keep its promise, he does not keep his promise.

Shimei calls for judgment upon himself by not keeping the promise made. Here we see the person who does not know himself. It can take a long time, but then what is in his heart is revealed. Shimei adheres to the conditions, until two slaves run away, resulting in a personal loss. He can’t let that go. Therefore, he crosses the limits that have been set for him and breaks the oath he has made about it. His runaway slaves are more important than his promise to Solomon to be obedient.

Solomon hears it and gets him brought to him. He reminds him of the appointment. He also reminds him of what he did to his father David and that he did so consciously. Solomon orders Benaiah to kill him. The judgment is carried out quickly, as is appropriate for a king who rules in justice.

In what Shimei does, we see the principle that a person can win the whole world, but can lose his soul (Mt 16:26). What use is it to Shimei that he has his servants back, while it costs him his life? People can admit that they are sinners without drawing the right conclusions. In contrast to this unfaithful conduct, David’s throne stands forever.

Solomon is established in the kingship when he has removed all stumbling blocks from his kingdom (cf. Mt 13:41-43). Thus, the Christian will know and enjoy the peace of God if he removes from his life everything that prevents his life from being ruled by the Lord Jesus as the Prince of peace.