Shimei

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

1. Son of Gershom, son of Levi ( 1 Chronicles 23:7;  1 Chronicles 23:9-10;  1 Chronicles 6:17;  1 Chronicles 6:29;  Numbers 3:18;  Zechariah 12:13). (See Shelomith (5).) Shimi in  Exodus 6:17.

2. Son of Gera, a Benjamite, of Saul's house; at Bahurim, a marked spot on the way from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, just within Benjamin; to this point Phaltiel followed Michal ( 2 Samuel 3:16). When David, fleeing from Absalom, reached the edge of the valley, between the road and Shimei's house, Shimei ran along the ridge over against the road, cursing and throwing stones and dust at him and his mighty men still as he went; and saying, "Come out, come out, thou bloody man and thou man of Belial the Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul (Referring To His Hanging Up Saul'S Sons For The Gibeonites, 2 Samuel 21, Which In Time Preceded This; Also To His General Engagement In Wars,  1 Chronicles 22:8 ) , and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son, and behold thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man" ( 2 Samuel 16:5-13). Abishai would have "taken off his head" then and there, as a "dead dog" presuming to "curse the king."

But David felt it was Jehovah's doing: "let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him; it may be that the Lord will look on shine affliction, and requite me good for his cursing." An undesigned coincidence between David's language in the history and in the independent psalms, a mark of genuineness (  Psalms 109:17 ;  Psalms 109:28 , "Let Them Curse, But Bless Thou";  Psalms 25:18 , "Look Upon Mine Affliction," Etc.) . Shimei wisely was the "first of the house of Joseph" to meet David on his victorious return over Jordan (Compare Spiritually Our Wisdom,  Luke 14:32 ) . A thousand Benjamites, and Ziba with his 15 sons and 20 servants, were with him. He fell down before the king, confessing his sin and begging David not to "impute iniquity" to him, or remember and take to heart his perversity; spiritually compare  Matthew 5:25;  Psalms 32:1-6. Again Abishai would have slain Shimei, but David felt his day of restoration to the kingdom was no day for avenging wrongs, and said "thou shalt not die."

But on his deathbed David felt, though he forgave Shimei the personal wrong, yet that public justice required his punishment in some form, for David was not likely, in going to appear before God, to cherish revenge after having spared him twice when he might justly have slain him. To Solomon he committed the fulfillment of the duty unfulfilled by himself; "thou knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him." The impunity of Shimei as of Joab had brought the law into discredit, for Shimei was living in court favor at Jerusalem, "thou hast with thee Shimei" ( 1 Kings 2:8). Anticipating from Shimei's restless spirit that he would attempt some fresh lawlessness, David says, "his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood." However, as Solomon did not put him to death but gave him a chance of life, some understand "not" after "bring thou down," taken from the former clause "hold him not guiltless," and "bring not down his hoar head," etc.

So in  1 Samuel 2:3, where two prohibitions come together, the negative is expressed only in the first clause and understood in the second. Solomon bound him on pain of death to build a house, and stay at Jerusalem, and not cross the Kedron which separated him from the road to his old abode at Bahurim. After the lapse of three years Shimei went after two slaves of his, who had fled to Achish of Gath. His breach of his own oath brought on him the king's threatened penalty; he was slain by Benaiah. Thus he brought, "on his own head" his wickedness towards David which David had left unavenged; justice had its course so by "taking away the wicked from before the king, his throne was established in righteousness" ( Proverbs 25:5;  1 Kings 2:36-46;  Psalms 7:16;  Ezekiel 17:19).

3. Faithful to Solomon in Adonijah's rebellion ( 1 Kings 1:8); identified with Shimei son of Elah ( 1 Kings 4:18), Solomon's commissariat officer in Benjamin; or with Shimei or Shammah, David's brother, or Shammah the Ararite ( 2 Samuel 23:11).

4. Son of Pedaiah, Zerubbabel's brother ( 1 Chronicles 3:19).

5. Son of Zacchur, a Simeonite ( 1 Chronicles 4:26-27); he had 16 sons and six daughters.

6. Son of Gog a Reubenite ( 1 Chronicles 5:4).

7. A Gershonite Levite, son of Jahath ( 1 Chronicles 6:42).

8. Son of Jeduthun, chief of the tenth division of singers ( 1 Chronicles 25:17).

9. The Ramathite, over David's vineyards ( 1 Chronicles 27:27).

10. A Levite, of the sons of Heman; took part in the purification of the temple under Hezekiah ( 2 Chronicles 29:14).

11. The Levite, Cononiah's brother, having charge of the offerings, etc., under Hezekiah ( 2 Chronicles 31:12-13).  2 Chronicles 31:12. A Levite in Ezra's time ( Ezra 10:23), married a foreign wife; also Semis

13. Of the Hashum family, put away his foreign wife ( Ezra 10:33).

14. Son of Bani, put away his foreign wife ( Ezra 10:38).

15. Ancestor of Mordecai, son of Kish, of Benjamin ( Esther 2:5).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Shim'ei. (Renowned).

1. Son of Gershon, the son of Levi,  Numbers 3:18;  1 Chronicles 6:17;  1 Chronicles 6:29;  1 Chronicles 23:7;  1 Chronicles 23:9-10;  Zechariah 12:13, called Shimi in  Exodus 6:17. (B.C. after 1706).

2. Shimei, the son of Gera, a Benjamite of the house of Saul, who lived at Bahurim. (B.C. 1023). When David and his suite were seen descending the long defile, on his flight from Absolom,  2 Samuel 16:5-13, the whole feeling of the clan of Benjamin burst forth, without restraint, in the person of Shimei. He ran along the ridge, cursing and throwing stones at the king and his companions. The next meeting was very different. The king was now returning from his successful campaign.

Just as he was crossing the Jordan,  2 Samuel 19:18, the first person to welcome him was Shimei, who threw himself at David's feet in abject penitence. But the king's suspicions were not set at rest by this submission; and on his death-bed, he recalls the whole scene to the recollection of his son, Solomon. Solomon gave Shimei notice that from henceforth, he must consider himself confined to the walls of Jerusalem, on pain of death.  1 Kings 3:36-37. For three years, the engagement was kept. At the end of that time, for the purpose of capturing two slaves who had escaped to Gath, he went out on his ass, and made his journey successfully.  1 Kings 2:40. On his return, the king took him at his word, and he was slain by Benaiah.  1 Kings 2:41-46.

3. One of the adherents of Solomon, at the time of Adonjah's usurpation.  1 Kings 1:8. (B.C.1015).

4. Solomon's commissariat officer in Benjamin.  1 Kings 4:18.

5. Son of Pedaiah, and brother of Zerubbabel.  1 Chronicles 3:19. (B.C. 536).

6. A Simeonite, son of Zacchur.  1 Chronicles 4:26-27.

7. Son of Gog, a Reubenite.  1 Chronicles 5:4.

8. A Gershonite Levite, son of Jahath.  1 Chronicles 6:42.

9. Son of Jeduthun, and chief of the tenth division of the singers.  1 Chronicles 25:17.

10. The Ramathite, who was over David's vineyards.  1 Chronicles 27:27.

11. A Levite, of the sons of Heman, who took part in the purification of the Temple, under Zedekiah.  2 Chronicles 29:14. (B.C. 726).

12. The brother of Cononiah, the Levite, in the reign of Hezekiah.  2 Chronicles 31:12-13. Perhaps the same as Shimei, 11 .

13. A Levite, in the time of Ezra, who had married a foreign wife.  Ezra 10:23.

14. One of the family of Hashum, who put away his foreign wife at Ezra's command.  Ezra 10:33.

15. A son of Bani, who had also married a foreign wife, and put her away.  Ezra 10:38. (B.C. 459).

16. Son of Kish, a Benjamite, and ancestor of Mordecai.  Esther 2:5. (B.C. before 479). See Shimi .

Morrish Bible Dictionary

1. Son of Gershon, the son of Levi.  Numbers 3:18;  1 Chronicles 6:17;  1 Chronicles 23:7,9,10 . Called SHIMI in  Exodus 6:17 .

2. Son of Gera, a Benjamite, of the house of Saul: he cursed David, calling him 'a man of Belial,' and threw stones and dust at him, when he was hastening from Jerusalem at the rebellion of Absalom; but made submission on David's return, and was not then punished. David at his death reminded Solomon of Shimei's wickedness, for he had cursed the Lord's anointed king. Solomon promised Shimei his life on the condition that he did not go out of Jerusalem; but he broke the compact and was put to death.   2 Samuel 16:5-13;  2 Samuel 19:18-23;  1 Kings 2:8-46 .

3. Officer of David who kept aloof from Adonijah on his usurpation.   1 Kings 1:8 .

4. Son of Elah and one of Solomon's commissariat officers.   1 Kings 4:18 .

5. Son of Pedaiah, a son of Jeconiah.   1 Chronicles 3:19 .

6. Son of Zacchur, of the tribe of Simeon.   1 Chronicles 4:26   27 .

7. Son of Gog, of the tribe of Reuben.   1 Chronicles 5:4 .

8. Son of Libni, a Merarite.   1 Chronicles 6:29 .

9. Son of Jahath, a son of Gershon.   1 Chronicles 6:42 .

10. Chief of the tenth course in the service of song.   1 Chronicles 25:17 .

11. The Ramathite who was over the vineyards of David.   1 Chronicles 27:27 .

12. Son of Heman: he took part in the purification of the temple.   2 Chronicles 29:14 .

13. Levite who had charge of the offerings.   2 Chronicles 31:12,13 .

14. Levite who had married a strange wife.   Ezra 10:23 .

15,16. Two who had married strange wives.   Ezra 10:33,38 .

17. Son of Kish, a Benjamite, and grandfather of Mordecai.   Esther 2:5 .

18. A family who will mourn apart on the repentance of Jerusalem.   Zechariah 12:13 . This is by some associated with No. 1; but SIMEONis read in the margin, and in the LXX, the Arabic and Syriac versions. See under Zechariah  Zechariah 12 .

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Exodus 6:17 Numbers 3:18 1 Chronicles 6:42 2 1 Chronicles 23:9  1 Chronicles 23:10 3 2 Samuel 16:1 2 Samuel 19:1 1 Kings 2:1

4. Court personality who refused to support Adonijah against Solomon ( 1 Kings 1:8 ).  5 . District supervisor in territory of Benjamin responsible for supplying Solomon's court one month each year ( 1 Kings 4:18 ); he could be identical with 4. above. 6. Ancestor of Mordecai, the cousin of Esther ( Esther 2:5 ).  7 . Brother of Zerubbabel ( 1 Chronicles 3:19 ).  8 . Member of tribe of Simeon ( 1 Chronicles 4:26 ).  9 . Member of tribe of Reuben ( 1 Chronicles 5:4 ).  10 . A Levite ( 1 Chronicles 6:29 ).  11 . A Benjaminite ( 1 Chronicles 8:21; apparently identical with Shema in  1 Chronicles 8:13 ).  12 . Temple musician under David ( 1 Chronicles 25:17; perhaps also in  1 Chronicles 25:3 with a Hebrew manuscript and some Greek manuscripts as in Nrsv, Reb, Nas, Niv, Tev ) 13. Supervisor of David's vineyards (  1 Chronicles 27:27 ).  14 . and 15. Two Levites under Hezekiah ( 2 Chronicles 29:14;  2 Chronicles 31:12-13 ).  16 . Levite married to a foreign woman under Ezra ( Ezra 10:23 ).  17 . and 18. Two Jews married to foreign women under Ezra ( Ezra 10:33 ,Ezra 10:33, 10:38 ).

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Shimei ( Shĭm'E-Î ), Famous. The name of 14 or more Hebrews, of whom the two following may be described. 1. A son of Gershon the son of Levi,  Numbers 3:18;  1 Chronicles 6:17;  1 Chronicles 6:42;  1 Chronicles 23:7;  1 Chronicles 23:9-10; called Shimi,  Exodus 6:17, A. V. It is to his descendants, probably, that reference is made in  Zechariah 12:13; comp.  Numbers 3:21. 2. The son of Gera, a Benjamite and a kinsman of Saul, who insulted king David when fleeing before Absalom, and humbled himself on David's return. Shimei gave bis parole never to leave Jerusalem, but broke it by pursuing his fugitive servants to Gath, and was put to death on returning.  2 Samuel 16:6-14;  2 Samuel 19:16-23;  1 Kings 2:8-9;  1 Kings 2:36-46.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Another Levite ( Ezra 10:23 ). "The family of Shimei" ( Zechariah 12:13; RSV, "the family of the Shimeites") were the descendants of Shimei (1).

Copyright Statement These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., DD Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

Bibliography Information Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Shimei'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/s/shimei.html. 1897.

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary

There were several of this name in the Old Testament. ( 2 Samuel 16:5, etc.  1 Kings 1:8;  1 Chronicles 4:27, etc.) The name seems to be derived from Shamaah, fame—and the post-fix pronoun makes it, my fame.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Heb. Shinzmi', שַׁמְעַי , My Fame, or Renowned; Sept. Σεμε ‹ , but Σαμα ‹ Θ in  1 Chronicles 8:21; Σαμού in  Ezra 10:23; Σεμείας in  Esther 2:5; and v. r. Σεμε ‹ Α occasionally elsewhere), the name of some sixteen Hebrews..

1. The second named of the two sons of Gershon the son of Levi ( Exodus 6:17; A. V. "Shimi;"  Numbers 3:18;  1 Chronicles 6:17 [Hebrews 2];  Zechariah 12:13). B.C. post 1874. In  1 Chronicles 6:29 [Heb. 14] he is called the Sont of Libni and father of Uzza, and both are reckoned as sons of Merari; but there is reason to suppose that there is some clerical error in this verse, as he is everywhere else represented to be Libni's Brother. In  1 Chronicles 23:7-10 his posterity is enumerated, but the text has probably there also suffered a transposition, so that we ought to read,;" Of the Gershonites were Laadan [or Libni] and Shimei. The sons of Laadan the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and, Joel, three; these were the chief of the fathers of Laadan. The Sons of Shimei, Shelomith [or Shelomoth ], and Haziel, and Haran, three. And the sons of Shelomith [inistead of Shimei] were Jahath, Zina, and Jeaush, and Beriahb these four were the sons of Shelomith [or perhaps Shimei might here remain]. And Jahath was the chief," etc. Both Keil and Zockler (in Lange), however, regard Laadan as different from Libni, and make out two distinct-persons here by the name of Shimei. See No. 3, below.

2. A Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah ( 1 Chronicles 5:4). B.C. post 1874.

3. A Gershonite Levite, son of Jahath and father of Zimnah in the ancestry of Asaph ( 1 Chronicles 6:42 [Heb. 27]). B.C. cir. 1695. Some have regarded him as identical with the younger son of Gershon (Heb. 27:17 [Hebrews 2]), but the other particulars do not allow this.

4. A Simeonite, son of Zacchur, and father of sixteen sons and six daughters ( 1 Chronicles 4:26-27). B.C. ante 1618. He was perhaps the same with SHEMAIAH (See Shemaiah) (q.v.) the ancestor of Ziza ( 1 Chronicles 4:37).

5. One of the heads of the families of Beanjamites resident at Jerusalem ( 1 Chronicles 8:21; A. V. "Shimhi"); apparently the same with SHEMA (See Shema) (q.v.) the son, of Elpaal ( 1 Chronicles 8:13). B.C. post 1618.

6. A citizen of Ramah appointed overseer of David's vineyards ( 1 Chronicles 27:27). B.C. 1043.

7. The son of Gera; Benjamite of the house of Saul, who lived at Bahurim during the reign of David, and is associated with some of the most painful transactions of the reign of that monarch and his successor. His residence there agrees with the other notices of the place, as if a marked spot on the way to and from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, and just within the border of Benjamin. (See Bahurim). He may have received the unfortunate Phaltiel after his separation from Michal ( 2 Samuel 3:16).

1. When David and his suite were seen descending the long defile from Olivet on his. flight from. Absalom ( 2 Samuel 16:5-13), the whole feeling of the clan of Benjamin burst forth without restraint in the person of Shimei. His house apparently was separated from the road by a deep valley, yet not so far as that anything that he did or said could not be distinctly heard. He ran along the ridge, cursing, throwing stones at the king and his companions, and when he came to a patch of dust on the dry hill-side, taking it up and throwing it over them. Abishai was so irritated that, but for David's remonstrance, he would have darted across the ravine ( 2 Samuel 16:9) and torn or cut off his head. The whole conversation is remarkable, as showing what may almost be called the slang terms of abuse prevalent in the two rival courts. The cant name for David in Shimei's mouth is the man of blood," twice emphatically repeated: " Come out, come out, thou man of blood Aman of blood art thou" (16:7, 8). It seems to lave been derived from the slaughter of the sons of Saul (ch. 21), or generally perhaps from Davids predatory, warlike life (comp.  1 Chronicles 22:8). The cant name for a Benjamite in Abishai's mouth was "a dead dog" ( 2 Samuel 16:9; comp. Abner's expression, "Am I a dog's head?" 3:8). "Man of Belial" also appears to have been a favorite term on both sides (16:7; 20:1). The royal party passed on, Shimei following them with his stones and curses: as long as they were in sight. (See Lorenz, Doe Crimine: Simei In Davidea [Strasb. 1749].) B.C. 1023....

2. The next meeting was very different. The king was now returning from his successful campaign. Just as he was crossing the Jordan, in the ferry-boat or on the bridge ( 2 Samuel 19:18; Sept. Διαβαίνοντος ; Josephus, A nt. 7, 5: 2, 4, Ἐπὶ Τὴν Γεφύραν ), the first person to welcome him on the western, or perhaps even on the eastern, side was: He threw himself at David's feet in abject penitence. "He was the first," he said, "of all the house of Joseph," thus indicating the close political alliance between Benjamin and Ephraim. Another altercation ensued between David and Abishai, which ended in David's guaranteeing Shimei's life with an oath ( 2 Samuel 19:18-23) in' consideration of the general jubilee and amnesty of the return. B.C. 1023.

3. But the king's suspicions were not set to rest by this submission; and on his death-bed he recalls the whole scene to the recollection of his son Solomon. Shimei's head was now white with age ( 1 Kings 2:9), and he was living in the favor of the court at Jerusalem ( 1 Kings 2:8). B.C. 1013. Solomon gave him notice that from henceforth he must consider himself confined to the walls of Jerusalem on pain of death. The Kidron, which divided him from the road to his old residence at Bahurim. was not to be crossed. He was to build a house in Jerusalem (ii, 36, 37). For three years the engagement was kept. At the end of that time, for the purpose of capturing two slaves who had escaped to Gath, he went out on his ass and made his journey successfully (2:40). On his return, the king took him at his word, and he was slain by Bensaiah (ii, 41-46). B.C. 1009. ' In the sacred historian, and still more in Josephus "(Ant. 8:1, 5), great stress is laid on Shimei's having broken his oath to remain at home; so that his death is regarded as a judgment, not only for his previous treason, but for his recent sacrilege. (See Ortlob, De Processu Sol, contra Shimei '[Lips. 1719].) (See David); (See Solomon).

8. One of the faithful adherents of Solomon at the time of Adonijah's: usurpation ( 1 Kings 1:8). B.C. 1015. Probably he is: the same as Shimei the son of Elah, Solomon's commissariat officer in Benjamin (4:18). Ewald, however, suggests (Gesch. iii, 266) that he :may have been the same with Shimeah or Shammah, David's brother ( 1 Samuel 16:9;  2 Samuel 21:21). From the mention which is made of "the mighty men" in the same verse, one might be tempted to conclude that Shimei is the same with Shammah the Hararite (2 . Samuel 23 ).

9. The head of the tenth division of twelve musicians severally in the distribution by David ( 1 Chronicles 25:17). B.C. 1013. It would seem that he was one of the sons of Jeduthun, for a name is necessary in  1 Chronicles 25:3. to complete the number six there given, and all the other lists are full. of the Temple under Hezekiah ( 2 Chronicles 29:14). B.C. 726.

11. A Levite who in connection, with his brother Cononiah the Levite had charge of the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things in the renewal under Hezekiah ( 2 Chronicles 31:12-13). B.C. 726. He was probably the same as the preceding.

12. A son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel (q.v.), but whether by the same mother or not is doubtful ( 1 Chronicles 3:19). B.C. 1536.

13. A Benjamite, "son" of Kish and "father" of Jair in Mordecai's ancestry ( Esther 2:5).' B.C. ante 479.

14. A Levite who divorced his Gentile wife. after the captivity ( Ezra 10:23). B.C. 459.

15. An Israelite of "the sons of Hashum" who did the same ( Ezra 10:33). B.C. 459.

16. An Israelite of the. sons of Bani who did the same ( Ezra 10:38). B.C. 459.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

shim´ḗ - ı̄ ( שׁמעי , shim‛ı̄ , possibly "hear me (El)" or "(Jah)"; Σεμεεί , Semeeı́ , Σεμεί , Semeı́ ): A name of frequent occurrence throughout the Old Testament records, sometimes varying slightly in form in English Versions of the Bible. The King James Version has "Shimi" in   Exodus 6:17; "Shimhi" in  1 Chronicles 8:21; "Shimeah" in  2 Samuel 21:21 . the Revised Version (British and American) has "Shimeites" in  Zechariah 12:13 , where the King James Version has "Shimei," and  Numbers 3:21 for the King James Version "Shimites." English Versions of the Bible has "Shema" in   1 Chronicles 8:13 ,  1 Chronicles 8:21 margin for the "Shimei" of   1 Chronicles 8:21 . In all others of the many occurrences in the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) the form is "Shimei."

(1) A family name among the Levites before and after the exile, at least five of whom bore it: ( a ) Son of Gershon and grandson of Levi (  Exodus 6:17;  Numbers 3:18;  1 Chronicles 6:17;  1 Chronicles 23:7 ,  1 Chronicles 23:10 ). The text of 1 Chronicles 6 and 23 is corrupt, making difficult the tracing of the various genealogies and the identification of the several Shimeis. Evidently that of  1 Chronicles 23:9 is a scribe's error for one of the four sons of Ladan or Libni, whose names are given in the preceding verse. ( b ) An ancestor of Asaph the musician ( 1 Chronicles 6:42 ), possibly the same as ( a ) above, Jahath the son of South (compare  1 Chronicles 23:10 ) being by a copyist's error transposed so as to read as if he were the father of South ( c ) A descendant of the Merarite branch of the Levites ( 1 Chronicles 6:29 ). ( d ) One of the 288 trained singers in the service of the sanctuary under Asaph ( 1 Chronicles 25:17 ). ( e ) One of the Levites who helped to cleanse the Temple in Hezekiah's reformation ( 2 Chronicles 29:14 ). He was a descendant of Heman the musician. Hezekiah afterward appointed him with Conaniah to have chief oversight of "the oblations and the tithes and the dedicated things" which were brought into the chambers of Yahweh's house prepared for them ( 2 Chronicles 31:11 ,  2 Chronicles 31:12 ). ( f ) A L evite who under Ezra put away his foreign wife ( Ezra 10:23 ), "Semeis" in 1 Esdras 9:23.

(2) The best-known Bible character of this name is the Benjamite, of the family of Saul ( 2 Samuel 16:5-12;  2 Samuel 19:16-20;  1 Kings 2:8 ,  1 Kings 2:9 ,  1 Kings 2:36-46 ), who met David at Bahurim as he was fleeing from Absalom, and in bitter and cowardly fashion cursed and attacked the hard-pressed king. Apparently David's flight to the Jordan led through a narrow ravine, on one side of which, or on the ridge above, stood Shimei in safety as he cast stones at David and his men, cursing as he threw ( 2 Samuel 16:5 ,  2 Samuel 16:6 ). His hatred of David who had displaced his royal kinsman Saul had smouldered long in his mean heart; and now the flame bursts out, as the aged and apparently helpless king flees before his own son. Shimei seizes the long-coveted opportunity to pour out the acid hate of his heart. But when David's faithful companions would cross the ravine to make quick work of Shimei, the noble king forbade them with these remarkable words: "Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh hath bidden him. It may be that Yahweh ... will requite me good for his cursing" ( 2 Samuel 16:11 ,  2 Samuel 16:12 ). After Absalom's overthrow, as the king was returning victorious and vindicated, Shimei met him at the Jordan with most abject confession and with vows of allegiance ( 2 Samuel 19:16-23 ).

The king spared his life; but shortly before his death charged his son Solomon to see that due punishment should come to Shimei for his sins: "Thou shalt bring his hoar head down to Sheol with blood" ( 1 Kings 2:9 ). When he came to the throne Solomon summoned Shimei and bade him build a house in Jerusalem, to which he should come and from which he must not go out on pain of death ( 1 Kings 2:36-38 ). Feeling secure after some years, Shimei left his home in Jerusalem to recapture some escaped slaves ( 1 Kings 2:39-41 ), and in consequence he was promptly dispatched by that gruesome avenger of blood, the royal executioner, "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada," who "fell upon him," as he had upon Adonijah and Joab, "so that he died" ( 1 Kings 2:46 ).

(3) Another Benjamite, mentioned with Rei as an officer in the king's bodyguard, who was faithful to David in the rebellion of Adonijah ( 1 Kings 1:8 ). Josephus reads Rei as a common noun, describing Shimei as "the friend of David." He is to be identified with the son of Elah ( 1 Kings 4:18 ), whom Solomon, probably because of his fidelity, named as one of the 12 chief commissary officers appointed over all Israel, "who provided victuals for the king and his household."

(4) A man of some prominence in the tribe of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:21 ), whose home was in Aijalon, where he was a "head of fathers' houses" ( 1 Chronicles 8:13 ); but his descendants lived in Jerusalem ( 1 Chronicles 8:28 ). In the King James Version he is called "Shimhi"; in  1 Chronicles 8:13 he is called "Shema."

(5) Another Benjamite, an ancestor of Mordecai ( Esther 2:5 ), "Semeias" in Additions to Esther 11:2.

(6) A brother of David ( 2 Samuel 21:21 , the King James Version "Shimeah"); in  1 Samuel 16:9 he is called "Shammah"; compare "Shimeah," "Shimea."

(7) A man of Judah, called "the Ramathite," who was "over the vineyards" in David's reign ( 1 Chronicles 27:27 ).

(8) A S imeonite living in the time of David ( 1 Chronicles 4:26 ,  1 Chronicles 4:27 ), whose chief claim to distinction was that he was father of 16 sons and 6 daughters. The descendants of such a numerous progeny, not being able to maintain themselves in their ancestral home in Beer-sheba, in the days of Hezekiah fell upon Gerar, and dispossessed "the sons of Ham" ( 1 Chronicles 4:39 , the Septuagint), and upon Mt. Seir, driving out the Amalekites ( 1 Chronicles 4:43 ).

(9) A man of Reuben, son of Gog ( 1 Chronicles 5:4 ).

(10), (11) Two men of "Israel," i.e. not priests or Levites, one "of the sons of Hashum" ( Ezra 10:33 ), the other "of the sons of Bani" ( Ezra 10:38 ), who put away their foreign wives at Ezra's command, in 1 Esdras called respectively "Semei" (9:33) and "Someis" (9:34).

(12) A brother of Zerubbabel ( 1 Chronicles 3:19 ).

The Shimeites were descendants of Shimei, grandson of Levi; compare (1) ( a ) above (  Numbers 3:21;  Zechariah 12:13 ).

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature

Shim´ei (renowned), a member of the family of Saul, residing at Bahurim, who grievously insulted King David when he fled from Absalom . The king not only saved him from the immediate resentment of his followers, but on his triumphant return by the same road after the overthrow of his rebellious son, he bestowed on Shimei the pardon which he implored . It seems, however, that it was policy which chiefly dictated this course, for it was by the advice of David himself that Solomon, after his father's death, made Shimei a prisoner at large in Jerusalem . Three years after he broke his parole by leaving Jerusalem in pursuit of some runaway slaves, and was, on his return, put to death by order of the king .