Shimei And Mephiboseth Meet With David
May 7, 2022
Commentary
Shimei, with a thousand others from Benjamin, and Ziba, the servant from Saul’s family, hurried to meet King David at the Jordan river (vv. 16-17). They helped escort David’s family and servants back across the river and Shimei bowed down in front of David (v. 18). He said, “your Majesty, I beg you not to punish me for the wrong I did when you were leaving Jerusalem (v. 19). I know that I sinned and wanted to be the first from the northern tribes to meet you” (v. 20). But there was tension when Abishai shouted, “You should be killed for cursing the Lord’s chosen king” (v. 21). David replied, “Abishai, Is it your job to tell me who has done wrong"? I have been made king of all Israel and no one will be put to death” (vv. 22-23).
Methibosheth, Saul’s grandson comes to meet David, looking very unkept and David wants to know why he decided not to go with him when he was forced to flee from Absalom (vv. 24-25). He answered that he couldn’t walk and gives some other flimsy excuses (v. 26). Then he brags on David and tells him how good he has been to him (vv. 27-28). David responds to Methibosheth by ordering him and Ziba to divide the land but Methibosheth offers the entire estate to Ziba (vv.29-30). A very rich man, Barzillai, the Gileadite comes to meet David who promises to take care of him (vv. 31-33). Barzillai answers that he is too old and would just be a burden so wants to return to his hometown where he can die and be buried, however he tells David that his servant Chimham can go with him (vv. 34-37). David kisses him and give him his blessing and then he and Chimham crosses the river (vv. 38-39). Although Israel and Judah supported the kings return there was a basic tension that eventually resulted in a division between the northern and southern tribes (vv. 40-43).
Application
When I experience tension in my life I need to stop and confirm that God has everything in control.
2 Samuel 19:16– 43 (NET)
16 Shimei son of Gera the Benjaminite from Bahurim came down quickly with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 There were 1,000 men from Benjamin with him, along with Ziba the servant of Saulâs household, and with him his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They hurriedly crossed the Jordan within sight of the king. 18 They crossed at the ford in order to help the kingâs household cross and to do whatever he thought appropriate.
19 He said to the king, âDonât think badly of me, my lord, and donât recall the sin of your servant on the day when you, my lord the king, left Jerusalem! Please donât call it to mind! 20 For I, your servant, know that I sinned, and I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.â
21 Abishai son of Zeruiah replied, âFor this should not Shimei be put to death? After all, he cursed the Lordâs anointed!â 22 But David said, âWhat do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? You are like my enemy today! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Donât I know that today I am king over Israel?â 23 The king said to Shimei, âYou wonât die.â The king vowed an oath concerning this.
24 Now Mephibosheth, Saulâs grandson, came down to meet the king. From the day the king had left until the day he safely returned, Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet nor trimmed his mustache nor washed his clothes.
25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, âWhy didnât you go with me, Mephibosheth?â 26 He replied, âMy lord the king, my servant deceived me! I said, âLet me get my donkey saddled so that I can ride on it and go with the king,â for I am lame. 27 But my servant has slandered me to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like an angel of God. Do whatever seems appropriate to you. 28 After all, there was no one in the entire house of my grandfather who did not deserve death from my lord the king. But instead you allowed me to eat at your own table! What further claim do I have to ask the king for anything?â
29 Then the king replied to him, âWhy should you continue speaking like this? You and Ziba will inherit the field together.â 30 Mephibosheth said to the king, âLet him have the whole thing! My lord the king has returned safely to his house!â
31 Now when Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, he crossed the Jordan with the king so he could send him on his way from there. 32 But Barzillai was very oldâeighty years old, in factâand he had taken care of the king when he stayed in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. 33 So the king said to Barzillai, âCross over with me, and I will take care of you while you are with me in Jerusalem.â
34 Barzillai replied to the king, âHow many days do I have left to my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am now eighty years old. Am I able to discern good and bad? Can I taste what I eat and drink? Am I still able to hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should I continue to be a burden to my lord the king? 36 I will cross the Jordan with the king and go a short distance. Why should the king reward me in this way? 37 Let me return so that I may die in my own town near the grave of my father and my mother. But look, here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever seems appropriate to you.â
38 The king replied, âKimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever I deem appropriate. And whatever you choose, I will do for you.â
39 So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home. 40 When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed over with him. Now all the soldiers of Judah along with half the soldiers of Israel had helped the king cross over.
41 Then all the men of Israel began coming to the king. They asked the king, âWhy did our brothers, the men of Judah, sneak the king away and help the king and his household cross the Jordanâand not only him but all of Davidâs men as well?â 42 All the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, âBecause the king is our close relative! Why are you so upset about this? Have we eaten at the kingâs expense? Or have we misappropriated anything for our own use?â 43 The men of Israel replied to the men of Judah, âWe have ten shares in the king, and we have a greater claim on David than you do! Why do you want to curse us? Werenât we the first to suggest bringing back our king?â But the comments of the men of Judah were more severe than those of the men of Israel.