2 Samuel 16:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head."

NIV: Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head."

NASB: Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Now let me go over and cut off his head.'

CSB: Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and remove his head!"

NLT: Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?' Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. 'Let me go over and cut off his head!'

KJV: Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

NKJV: Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!”

David and his people are racing for the Jordan River. His son Absalom has amassed a large following from all over Israel to take Jerusalem. David doesn't know how much time they have left to reach safety on the other side. Shimei, a relative of Saul's, takes the opportunity to curse David and throw stones at him. He believes Absalom's rebellion is God's punishment for David taking Saul's kingdom (2 Samuel 16:5–8).

David is very vulnerable to Absalom's attack, but Shimei's display is incredibly foolish. David isn't alone. He has two units of Philistine bodyguards and a six-hundred-man Gittite mercenary group (2 Samuel 15:18). Directly surrounding him are his "mighty men," about thirty elite warriors who will do anything he asks. The leader of the Thirty, David's nephew Abishai, is standing right next to him.

Abishai is the brother of Joab and son of David's sister, Zeruiah. Zeruiah's sons fought alongside David for many years, back to when he lived on the run, hiding from Saul. Abishai may have known that the law of Moses forbade anyone from cursing the ruler of the people (Exodus 22:28), but he's more likely offended for David's sake.

Abishai uses a term of great disrespect for Shimei, calling him a dead dog, and asks David for permission to decapitate the man for his dishonor toward the king of Israel. David is more reserved. He knows Absalom's rebellion is God's judgment on him for his sin against Uriah (2 Samuel 12:10–12). He suspects God sent Shimei to test David's submission to His punishment. Bearing Shimei's insults is a small price to pay for the chance to regain God's favor (2 Samuel 16:10–12).

Second Samuel 16:9–14 records David continuing to show grace to Saul's house. While fleeing Absalom, David comes across Saul's relative Shimei. Shimei blames David for Saul and his sons' deaths. He curses David as a "man of blood" and throws rocks at him (2 Samuel 16:5–8). Abishai offers to kill Shimei, but David stops him. David knows Absalom and Shimei aren't punishment for betraying Saul; they're part of God's curse for David's betrayal of Uriah (2 Samuel 12:10–12). David lets Shimei live, but when Shimei breaks the stipulations, Solomon has him executed (1 Kings 2:36–46).

David flees and Absalom takes Jerusalem. Absalom arrives with his supporters while David and his servants race to the Jordan River (2 Samuel 15). Mephibosheth's servant Ziba brings David donkeys, provisions, and news that Mephibosheth has also betrayed David. Shimei, Saul's relative, throws stones and curses at David and his people. David's former counselor Ahithophel convinces Absalom to have sex with David's concubines. But David's friend Hushai has infiltrated Absalom's council and will prove to be an exceptionally good spy (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

In 2 Samuel 16, leadership in Jerusalem changes hands. Because of David's sin (2 Samuel 11), God predicts death and controversy in David's life. That starts with assault and murder within David's own family (2 Samuel 12—14). The murderer, David's son Absalom, took four years to gain the people's trust and declare himself king (2 Samuel 15:1–11). He won over David's counselor, but David has his servants, warriors, two priests, and an old friend: the last three stay as spies (2 Samuel 15:13–37). As Absalom takes the throne, David meets two Benjamites: one helpful and one horrible. Soon, Absalom will plan an attack, but the priests and David's friend send word and save David's people (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.