Thematic Bible: Clemency


Thematic Bible



Absalom put Amasa in Joab's place as commander of the army. Amasa's father was Ithra from the family of Ishmael, and his mother was Abigal, the daughter of Nahash and the sister of Joab's mother Zeruiah.

Say to Amasa: 'Are you my flesh and blood? May God strike me dead unless you are given Joab's place to serve me always as the commander of the army.'


Shimei son of Gera from the tribe of Benjamin and the town of Bahurim, hurried down with the people of Judah to meet King David. One thousand people from Benjamin were with him. Ziba the servant of Saul's family rushed to the Jordan River across from the king. Ziba brought his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They brought David's family and servants back across the river. They did everything he wanted them to do. Shimei crossed the Jordan River and bowed down in front of David. read more.
He said: I beg you not to punish me! Please forget what I did when you left Jerusalem. Do not even think about it. I know I was wrong and have sinned. That is why I wanted to be the first one from the northern tribes to meet you. But Abishai shouted: You should be killed for cursing Jehovah's chosen king! David exclaimed: Abishai, what will I do with you and your brother Joab? Is it your job to tell me who has done wrong? I have been made king of all Israel today. No one will be put to death! David promised Shimei that he would not be killed.

King David arrived at Bahurim. A man who was a distant cousin of Saul came out cursing. His name was Shimei, son of Gera. Shimei threw stones at David and his officials. This was in spite of the fact that his men and his bodyguards surrounded David. Shimei cursed him and said: Get out! Get out you murderer! read more.
You took Saul's kingdom. Now Jehovah is punishing you for murdering so many of Saul's family. Jehovah has given the kingdom to your son Absalom. You are ruined, you bloodthirsty murderer! Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king: Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over there and cut off his head! What business is this of yours? The king said to Abishai and his brother Joab. If Jehovah told him to curse me who am I to stop him? David said to Abishai and to all his officials: My own son is trying to kill me. Why should you be surprised at this Benjaminite? Jehovah told him to curse. Leave him alone and let him curse. Perhaps Jehovah will acknowledge my misery and give me some blessings to take away this curse. David and his men continued along the road. Shimei kept up with them. He walked on the hillside. He cursed and threw stones and dirt at them as he went.