16:82 Samuel 16:8

The words belong to Shimei's curse at Bahurim, hurled while David was fleeing from Absalom in a humbled state, as Shimei threw stones at David and his men.SG4 91.3+1 Shimei accused David of being a bloody, violent and wicked man, whose present troubles exposed his own wrongdoing and mischief.SG4 89.2–90.3+3 He charged that the Lord was repaying David for all the blood of the house of Saul and had delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom his son as God's punishment for David's sin.SG4 89.2–90.3+3

These claims stand in the verse as Shimei's accusations, not as God's verdict upon David.PP 736.1–2 David nevertheless accepted the cursing and affliction as correction and punishment from God for his own sin, which had given the Lord's enemies occasion to blaspheme.SG4 89.2–90.3+1 He allowed that Shimei might be carrying out part of the predicted punishment against him.1SP 382.4–383.1 He trusted that if he bore the curse humbly, God might lessen his suffering and turn the curse into a blessing.SG4 89.2–90.3+1

After Absalom's death David spared and forgave Shimei, even though others urged that he be put to death.SG4 91.3 Shimei's reviling of David in his affliction reveals a hateful, selfish spirit that takes pleasure in distressing one who is suffering.PP 736.1–2