Definition: And Shimei said unto the king, The saying [is] good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 2:38. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened after the death of King David and his son Solomon. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, Shimei was telling the king that he would do whatever he asked. Let's unpack it a little further: "And Shimei said unto the king..." : This means Shimei spoke to King David’s advisor, Shimei. "...The saying [is] good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do." : This is a crucial part. It's saying that Shimei agrees with what King David told him to do. It’s essentially saying he’s going to follow his instructions exactly. "And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days." : This tells us that Shimei stayed in Jerusalem for a significant amount of time. This was a period of great trouble and upheaval, and Shimei's presence there was a sign of something happening. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about potential rebellion against King David. It suggests that Shimei, who had been loyal to David, might have been tempted to do something harmful – perhaps to overthrow him or incite rebellion. The fact that he stayed in Jerusalem for “many days” adds to the sense of anxiety and concern because it points to a period where things were tense. Key takeaway: It’s a significant moment in biblical history, hinting at potential conflict and urging caution. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story? Discuss the significance of Shimei's actions? Compare it to other stories in the Bible?