Scripture
The king {Solomon} said moreover to Shimei, “You know, as your heart acknowledges, all the wickedness that you did to my father David; therefore the LORD will return your wickedness on your own head.
~I Kings 2:44, NKJV
Quote
Those who refuse to bow will be broken.
~Matthew Henry
Shimei was a descendant of king Saul and for some reason, he despised David. When Absolom causes David to flee Jerusalem, it appears that David is through. Absalom had the numbers; the odds were in his favor. If Vegas had been there, it would probably been two to one. But David is a very screwd politician and this is not his first rodeo. David sent Hushai, one of his counselors back to misguide Absalom. David told him to pretend that he was disloyal to David and on Absalom’s side. Absalom took the bait and Hushail talked him out of pursuing David that same day which saved David’s life. This diversion would give David enough time to get to a safe place and gather a small army. When the war started a few days later, Absalom caught his long hair in a tree and was swinging from the tree. His mule had run out from under him. When they told Joab, he went immediately and killed Absalom, which was not David’s will. I have no use for Joab, he is a snake in the grass, but in this case, he was right: he cut off the head of the snake and the rebellion was over. A few weeks later David is restored.
When David was fleeing, Shimei followed at a safe distance cursing David and throwing rocks. David’s nephew wanted to kill Shimei but David wouldn’t allow it. When the tide turns and Shimei realizes that David is going to remain as king he comes and begs for his life. David lets him off the hook for the moment. However before David dies, he tells Solomon about Shimei and tells him to take care of him Godfather style. Solomon let him live but restricts him to Jerusalem. He cannot leave the city for any reason or he will be executed. Shimei has two slaves run away and he leaves the city and goes after them. When he returns, Solomon has him executed. John Philips says that Shimei was a vile man who had little to no character. He certainly was not a wise man. You don’t curse the king and you don’t throw rocks at him either. Only a greedy self-serving man would break his promise to go after two slaves. The fact that his slaves run from him probably indicates that he is a horrible master. Shimei had no respect for authority {law and order} and he did not play by the rules. He was a narcissist, it was all about him and his selfish behavior cost him his life.
Is there a moral in this story? Yes, don’t be stupid. Obey the King and keep your promises.
Extra
June and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection yesterday. I have to admit, I was not expecting anything. We had already gotten some cards in the mail and more yesterday including the gifts from the church. THANK YOU! You blessed me and you made BIG MAMA’S week. As soon as we got home from Sunday lunch at Hannah’s, she went shopping and she was one happy camper. Happy wife–happy life! THANK YOU Grace Point.
I couldn’t wait to get home and watch our digital rain gage. We got in the house about 1:15 and we had .17. I sat it on the table in front of me and got June to make me a cup of coffee. It did not rain another drop. We had real light rain in the night and got a total of .92. I am not complaining, it was exactly what we needed, a slow gentle rain.
I hope you have a great week and thanks for reading the blog.
Calendar
Wednesday at 5:00–Konic Ice truck from 5:00-6:00
Wednesday at 6:00–Jambalaya Supper in the fellowship hall
Saturday at 9:00–Christy Clark Memorial Blood Drive–9:00-3:00
November 12 at– 6:00 Stew {Chicken and Cowboy}
December 5 at 11:30–49er Christmas Party
December 17 at 5:30–Christmas Program {Sanctuary}
December 17 at 6:00–Christmas Supper
December 24 at 4:00 PM–Christmas Eve Communion {sanctuary}
December 31–New Years Eve–no meeting
Extra/Extra
Lately I have been interested in the history of the Prussian Empire. It existed on paper until 1947 when the League Nations abolished it and gave the land to Poland, Russia and Germany. Most went to Germany. The early Prussians had their own distinct language but when the German knights invaded, the older Prussians and many of their customs disappeared and most Prussians spoke German. Hilter sealed they doom in 1934. The Prussians were very militaristic. They were always fighting someone. What amazes me is the number of great men who came from this area of the world. George Muller was a Prussian. There are more: Nietzsche, Engels, Marx, Hegel, Kant and Albert Einstein. You are probably thinking: that is not a good list, these men were evil. Marx and Engels were purely evil. Hegel and Nietzsche are misunderstood. I don’t think either were athiest. Of course you are familiar with Kant and Einstein. Prussia also produced some great theologians: Karl Barth is the only one you will recognize. Martin Luther was close but he was born in Saxony, not Prussia. Now a days, all of them are going to be considered German.