Let Him Alone

The Story

It was the lowest point of King David’s life. His own son Absalom had led a rebellion and taken the throne. David fled Jerusalem on foot, barefoot and weeping, with his loyal followers around him.

As they passed the village of Bahurim, a man named Shimei, from the family of the old King Saul, came out to meet them. He walked along the hillside beside David, cursing him, throwing stones, and flinging dirt. “Get out, you man of blood!” he shouted. “The Lord is paying you back!”

David’s commander Abishai had heard enough. “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.”

David stopped him. “Let him alone, and let him curse.” Maybe, David said, the Lord would see his distress and repay him with good for the cursing he received that day. So they kept walking, while Shimei kept throwing stones.

Later, when the rebellion failed and David returned as king, Shimei hurried to meet him. He fell on his face and begged forgiveness. Abishai again wanted him put to death. But David said, “Thou shalt not die,” and gave him his word.

Reflection