Shimei

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David's Oath to Shimei

TANAKH

David's personal oath to Shimei, swearing by God that he would not put Shimei to the sword despite Shimei's outrageous insults, is a profound example of mercy and restraint. In the biblical narrative of Kings I, David instructs Solomon on how to deal with Shimei, who had previously insulted David but was spared due to David's oath to God.

“You must also deal with Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim. He insulted me outrageously when I was on my way to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by GOD: ‘I will not put you to the sword.’

I Kings 2:8

The Consequences of David's Mercy

TALMUD

David's failure to kill Shimei had far-reaching consequences, ultimately leading to Haman's decree against the Jewish people. The Talmud in Tractate Megillah explores the chain of events stemming from David's and Saul's actions, connecting them to the story of Purim.

the responsibility of Judah, as David did not kill Shimei, although he was liable to the death penalty. The grave consequences of this failure included that Mordecai was born from him, and it was he against whom Haman was jealous, leading Haman to issue a decree against all of the Jewish people. And how a Benjamite has repaid me is referring to the fact that Saul, who was from the tribe of Benjamin, did not kill the Amalekite king Agag immediately, from whom Haman was later born, and he caused suffering to the Jewish people.

Megillah 13a:1

The Death of Shimei and the Rise of Rome

MIDRASH

Shimei ben Gera's death had profound implications for Solomon's reign and symbolically foreshadowed the rise of Rome. Louis Ginzberg's early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, weaves together traditional Jewish texts and imaginative storytelling to expand on biblical events and characters.

The next to suffer Joab's fate was Shimei ben Gera, whose treatment of David had outraged every feeling of decency. His death was of evil portent for Solomon himself. So long as Shimei, who was Solomon's teacher, was alive, he did not venture to marry the daughter of Pharaoh. When, after Shimei's death, Solomon took her to wife, the archangel Gabriel descended from heaven, and inserted a reed in the sea. About this reed more and more earth was gradually deposited, and, on the day on which Jeroboam erected the golden calves, a little hut was built upon the island…

Legends of the Jews 4:5:19

Divine Inspiration Behind Shimei's Actions

KABBALAH

Shimei's actions, though seemingly hostile, were divinely inspired to lead King David to repentance and spiritual growth. The Zohar, a foundational Kabbalistic text, delves into the mystical significance of biblical events, including the trials faced by King David.

It is here fitting to consider why Shimei, who was a scholar and a wise man, behaved to David as he did..The truth is that the words of insult and cursing which he uttered were not his own, but entered into his heart from another region (from heaven), for David’s benefit, that he might repent with a perfect repentance, with a broken heart and with many tears before the Holy One. Therefore David said: “The Lord hath said unto him, Curse David” (Ibid. 5, 10). He knew that the cursing and words of insult were inspired from above.

Zohar, Mishpatim 3:251

The Influence of a Teacher's Absence

COMMENTARY

King Solomon's errors, such as his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, were influenced by the absence of his teacher, Shimi ben Geira. Rabbi Chaim Jachter explores the impact of Shimi ben Geira's absence on Solomon's decisions, drawing from classical sources like Rashi and the Gemara.

How can Shlomo HaMelech commit such a grievous error? Rashi to Melachim I 3:1, citing the Gemara (Berachot 8a), notes the juxtaposition of Shimi ben Geira’s death and Shlomo HaMelech’s marriage to Bat Paroh. Chazal posit that Shimi was Shlomo HaMelech’s teacher. After his teacher’s death, Shlomo HaMelech has no one left to rebuke him when he errs.

From David to Destruction, The Rise and Fall of Shlomo HaMelech, Shlomo HaMelech Marries Bat Paroh 25

Royal Authority and Rebellion

HALAKHAH

The king's authority to execute or punish those who rebel against or shame him is a significant aspect of royal prerogative. In his 12th-century legal code, the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides discusses the case of Shimei ben Gera to illustrate the extent of a Jewish king's power.

Anyone who rebels against a king of Israel may be executed by the king.
Even if the king orders one of the people to go to a particular place and the latter refuses, or he orders him not to leave his house and he goes out, the offender is liable to be put to death. The king may execute him if he desires, as Joshua 1:18 states: 'Whoever rebels against your command ... shall be put to death."
Similarly, anyone who embarrasses or shames the king may be executed by the king as was Shim'i ben Gera.
The king may only execute people by decapitation…

Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 3:8

The Inevitable Punishment of Shimei

SECOND TEMPLE

Shimei's disobedience to King Solomon's command underscores the inevitability of punishment for wicked actions, even if delayed. Josephus' historical account in 'The Antiquities of the Jews' provides a detailed narrative of Shimei's fate during King Solomon's reign.

5. But as to Shimei, Solomon commanded that he should build him a house, and stay at Jerusalem, and attend upon him, and should not have authority to go over the brook Cedron; and that if he disobeyed that command, death should be his punishment. He also threatened him so terribly, that he compelled him to take all oath that he would obey. Accordingly Shimei said that he had reason to thank Solomon for giving him such an injunction; and added an oath, that he would do as he bade him; and leaving his own country, he made his abode in Jerusalem…

The Antiquities of the Jews 8:1:5

A Bold Defiance Against King David

COMMENTARY

The audacity of a member of Saul's family in reproaching and pelting King David with stones highlights the active and direct nature of his opposition. Radak, a renowned 12th-century biblical commentator, provides insight into this dramatic episode during King David's flight from Absalom.

Many they are that are rising up against me: – All were rising up against him and were taking counsel to fight against him; and Shimei ben Gera even, who dared to reproach him and to pelt him with stones.

Radak on Psalms 3:2:2

David's Path to Reconciliation

COMMENTARY

David's merciful treatment of his former adversaries highlights his efforts to reconcile and repair his kingdom after the rebellion. The Book of Samuel, part of the Nevi'im (Prophets) in the Hebrew Bible, details King David's actions to stabilize his kingdom following Absalom's rebellion.

After finally composing himself, David attempts to repair the fractures in his kingdom. In order to placate the northerners, he appoints Avshalom’s erstwhile commander Amasa to replace Yoav. There may well be other motives at play here, given the troubled history between king and general; David must be aware that Yoav had dealt the initial blows to Avshalom as he hung from the tree. He assures Shim’i ben Gera, who had cursed him as a “bloodguilty man” in Chap. 16, that he will not be executed. Sha’ul’s grandson Mefiboshet appears, unkempt…

The Early Prophets, by Everett Fox, Samuel, Part VI; The Great Rebellion, David Shaken and Restored to Power 3

Loyalty and Restraint in the Face of Rebellion

COMMENTARY

Avishai's readiness to execute Shimei for cursing King David highlights themes of loyalty, justice, and restraint. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides clear and engaging insights into this dramatic episode.

Avishai son of Tzeruya said to the king: Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me cross to the other side, to where Shimi stands, and I will remove his head. Avishai was more than capable of carrying out this threat.

Steinsaltz on II Samuel 16:9

The Oath to Shimei

COMMENTARY

King Solomon's specific oath and warning to Shimei highlight the clear terms of their agreement and Shimei's acknowledgment and acceptance of these terms. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provide a clear and engaging explanation of this pivotal moment in Solomon's early reign.

The king sent and summoned Shimi, and he said to him: Did I not administer an oath to you by the Lord, and I warned you, saying: On the day you leave and go anywhere, know that you will die? You said to me: The arrangement is good; I have heard and accepted it.

Steinsaltz on I Kings 2:42

Relatedראו גם

David and Absalom

Opposedמתנגדים

King Solomon

Sheetsדפי מקורות

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