1 Kings 2:38
And Shimei said vnto the King, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy seruant doe. And Shimei dwelt in Ierusalem many dayes. 1 Kings 2:38 (KJV)
The verse comes from the book of 1 Kings, which primarily focuses on the reign of King Solomon, the son of David. In this particular passage Solomon is dealing with a man named Shimei. Shimei was a Benjamite who had previously cursed and insulted King David while David was fleeing from his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-14). After Absalom’s rebellion was quelled and David regained the throne, David spared Shimei’s life (2 Samuel 19:16-23), though he placed a warning that Shimei would die if he ever left Jerusalem.
Solomon’s instruction, recorded in the surrounding verses of 1 Kings 2, was that Shimei must remain within the city of Jerusalem; if he left, he would be put to death. In 1 Kings 2:38 Shimei responds, “The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do,” indicating his willingness to obey the royal command. His compliance reflects a recognition of the king’s authority, even though the text does not explicitly state a change of heart.
The narrative serves as a historical example of the consequences of past actions and the importance of adhering to legitimate authority. Shimei’s earlier curse on David brought serious repercussions; although he was spared immediate death, he was restricted in his movements and required to stay in Jerusalem. This underscores that God takes account of all deeds (Galatians 6:7) and that our actions can have lasting effects.
Application for believers today is clear.
As subjects of earthly authorities, we are called to respect and obey instructions that are just and align with God’s principles (Romans 13:1‑2). Whether the authority is a government leader, an employer, or a spiritual leader, honoring it reflects a heart of submission. Moreover, before speaking or acting, we should weigh our words and actions, considering potential consequences and ensuring they are in harmony with God’s Word. Shimei’s story reminds us that obedience to rightful authority and thoughtful conduct are essential components of a faithful Christian life.
