2 Samuel 19:16 - Meaning and Application

Perhaps the Jordan was never crossed with more solemnity, or with more memorable events, than it was now, since Israel first passed it under Joshua. David, in his painful flight, had especially remembered God from the land of Jordan (Psalm 42:6), and now that same land, more than any other, was honored by the glory of his return. David’s soldiers made whatever arrangements they could for crossing the river, but for his own family a ferryboat was sent on purpose (2 Samuel 19:18). Some say there was a fleet of boats, others that a bridge of boats was built. In any case, they gave him the best help they could.

Two notable men met him on the banks of Jordan, and both had treated him badly when he was fleeing. Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, had used smooth words and, by accusing his master, had won from the king a grant of Mephibosheth’s property (2 Samuel 16:4). He had done a very great wrong by using David’s trust to lead him into a harsh act toward Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Now he comes with his sons and servants to meet the king (2 Samuel 19:17), hoping to regain favor before Mephibosheth later clears himself (2 Samuel 19:26).

Shimei, who had insulted David with cruel words and cursed him (2 Samuel 16:5), also came. If David had been defeated, Shimei would likely have kept trampling on him and boasting about it. But now that he sees David coming back in triumph and to his throne, he thinks it wise to make peace. People who now despise and abuse the Son of David would be glad to seek peace when he comes in his glory, but then it will be too late.

To win the king’s favor, Shimei did several things. He came with good company, along with the men of Judah, showing himself to be on their side. He also brought a thousand men of Benjamin, perhaps as their commander, offering both his own service and theirs to the king. Or these may have been volunteers whom he had gathered through his influence. This was especially notable, because among all the tribes of Israel, only Judah and these men of Benjamin seemed to show David such respect. He also acted quickly and wasted no time. We should agree with our adversary quickly while we are still on the way.

First came the criminal’s surrender (2 Samuel 19:18-20). He fell before the king like a penitent man and a petitioner. To make clear that he was sincere, he did this publicly, in front of David’s servants, the men of Judah, and even his own thousand. Since the offense had been public, his confession should be public too. He admitted his sin: “Your servant knows that I have sinned.” He made it worse by adding, “I acted wrongly.” Then he asked for pardon: “Do not count my guilt against your servant.” In other words, “Do not deal with me as I deserve.” He also hinted that it was beneath the king’s generous spirit to keep such a matter in mind. He pleaded that he was the first of all the house of Joseph, meaning Israel, to come back and meet the king, since the northern tribes had once shown their split loyalty by following Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, at the start of David’s reign (2 Samuel 2:10). He came first so that his example might move others to do their duty, and his experience of the king’s mercy might encourage them to follow.

Then Abishai, Joab’s brother, urged judgment against him (2 Samuel 19:21). “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death as a traitor?” he asked. “Let him be made an example.” Abishai had once been ready to risk his life to kill Shimei when he was cursing David (2 Samuel 16:9). David had not allowed it then, because his power as king was limited. But now that his rule was restored, why should not the law take its course? Still, Abishai was thinking more about what he thought David might feel than about David’s true good. Rulers need to guard themselves against harsh and severe suggestions.

David rejected Abishai’s proposal with displeasure (2 Samuel 19:22-23). “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?” he said. It is better to have little to do with people who are quick to anger, revengeful, and eager to push us toward severe action. David treated such advisers as enemies, even though they claimed to be loyal and zealous for his honor. Those who urge us to do wrong are really like Satan, our adversary.

They were against David’s own inclination, which was toward mercy. He knew that he was king in Israel that day, restored and confirmed in his kingdom, and that his honor called him to forgive. It is the glory of kings to forgive those who humble themselves and surrender. His joy also moved him to forgive, because a glad heart should not welcome bitterness and harshness. More than that, his own experience of God’s mercy in restoring his kingdom, which he believed he had lost because of his sin, led him to show mercy to Shimei. Those who have been forgiven should forgive.

David had once sharply punished the Ammonites for abusing his messengers (2 Samuel 12:31), but he easily passed over the insult Shimei had given him as a private person. That earlier offense was against Israel as a whole and touched the honor of his crown and kingdom. This one was personal, so, as is often true of good people, he could more easily overlook it.

Abishai’s plan was also against David’s best interest. If David killed Shimei for cursing him, then those who had taken up arms and actually fought against him would fear the same fate. That would drive them away just when David was trying to win them back. Harsh actions are rarely wise policy. Mercy, not severity, strengthens the throne.

So Shimei received a pardon, confirmed with an oath. Still, he was surely bound to behave well and remained subject to punishment if he later acted badly. In time, he would stand as a witness both to the justice of the government and to its mercy, and in both ways to its wisdom.