Definition: And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 16:5. It's a really significant and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: What’s Happening? King David is visiting Bahurim: The verse tells us that King David was visiting a man named Shimei. He’s a relative of Saul, who was the king of Israel at the time. Shimei Arrives with a Curse: Shimei comes to see David and then immediately begins to curse things. This is a very dramatic and unsettling moment! What's the Context? This verse comes after David has been receiving frightening news about his son, Absalom, who was plotting against him. David is deeply worried and feels like he’s being threatened. The Meaning – It's About Betrayal & Revenge “Then hence came out…”: This means Shimei emerged from a place or direction. “…a man of the family of the house of Saul…” : This clarifies who Shimei is: he’s a descendant of Saul, the king of Israel. "[Was] Shimei, the son of Gera”: This tells us more about his background – he was born into a powerful and influential family. “He came forth…” : He appeared and began to speak. “…cursed still as he came.” : This is the key part. Shimei cursed things immediately after arriving, and he continued to curse with an angry and relentless intensity. What’s the Significance? This verse is a very dark moment in the story of David. It suggests: A Threat: Shimei represents a significant threat to David's position and safety. Revenge: The fact that he curses immediately implies a desire for vengeance against David – perhaps because he feels responsible for Saul’s death or betrayal. Sadness & Distress: The verse evokes a feeling of deep sorrow and anxiety in David. Important Note: This is a difficult passage, and it's important to remember that it was written in a time of great political turmoil and personal grief. It’s a reminder of the dangers of betrayal and the potential for evil within even those who seem to be righteous. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what it might mean in terms of biblical themes (like sin, repentance, or judgment)?