2Sa 19:15-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Sam 19:15-23: 19:15-23 On his return to Jerusalem, David showed mercy to Shimei, the pro-Saul northerner who had cursed David when he fled from Jerusalem (see 16:5-14 ), but Shimei’s action did not go unpunished (1 Kgs 2:8 , 36-46 ). 19:15 Gilgal was an important city in the days of Samuel and Saul (see study note on 19:40; 1 Sam 7:16 ; 11:15 ).

Summary for 2Sam 19:15-23: 19:15-23 ^a On his return to Jerusalem, David showed mercy to Shimei, the pro-Saul northerner who had cursed David when he fled from Jerusalem (see 16:5-14 ^b), but Shimei’s action did not go unpunished (1 Kgs 2:8 ^c, 36-46 ^d). 19:15 ^e Gilgal was an important city in the days of Samuel and Saul (see study note on 19:40; 1 Sam 7:16 ^f; 11:15 ^g).
19:17 ^h Ziba: See 16:1-4 ⁱ.
19:20 ^j I know how much I sinned: Shimei’s repentance might have been genuine, or he might simply have been backpedaling in a desperate attempt to save his life. David’s concern for Absalom’s safety had shown that David was not a self-promoting, bloodthirsty throne-stealer, as Shimei had thought; and Absalom had not replaced him (16:8 ^k), as Shimei had charged.

• in all Israel (literally in all the house of Joseph): Just as Jacob’s name could stand for all Israel (e.g., Num 24:19 ^l; Isa 10:20 ^m), Joseph’s name could stand for all the northern tribes (e.g., see study notes on Amos 5:6; Zech 10:6).
Summary for 2Sam 19:21-22: 19:21-22 ⁿ Cp. 16:9-12 ^o.

• Abishai: See study note on 16:9.

• you sons of Zeruiah: See study notes on 2:18; 17:25. While it was Abishai who consistently wanted to kill those hostile to David (cp. 16:9 ^p; 1 Sam 26:8 ^q), David also expressed his frustration with Joab, Abishai’s brother (see 2 Sam 3:28-29 ^r, 39 ^s; 19:13 ^t; 1 Kgs 2:5-6 ^u).
19:23 ^v David’s oath of protection was not binding on David’s heir, Solomon, who later ordered Shimei’s execution for far less serious crimes (1 Kgs 2:36-46 ^w).