Shimeites Shimei
Shimeites Shimei [1]
Shimei, Shimeites . Shimei was a popular name among the Hebrews, being especially common in Levitical circles. Of most of the persons bearing it, absolutely nothing except the name is known. 1 . The personage of this designation, of whom the historian has given us some details, is a Benjamite of the clan of Saul. On account of his tribal and family connexions, it is quite natural for him to be David’s bitter enemy. As the latter is fleeing before Absalom, Shimei meets him and heaps curses and insults on the fugitive monarch. David’s triumphant return, however, brings him in abject penitence to the feet of his sovereign, who pardons him ( 2 Samuel 16:5 ff; 2 Samuel 19:17 ff.). Nevertheless, David in his dying charge is represented as enjoining Solomon to ‘bring his hoar head to Sheol with blood.’ After this Shimei is not permitted to go beyond the walls of Jerusalem on pain of death; but presuming three years later to go to Gath in quest of fugitive slaves, he is executed by Benaiah at the command of the king ( 1Ki 2:8 ff., 1 Kings 2:36 ff.). 2 . In the court intrigues connected with the royal succession, a courtier, Shimei (cf. art. Rei) by name, espoused the cause of Solomon ( 1 Kings 1:8 ). The official at the head of one of the prefectures which were erected by this monarch, is probably identical with him ( 1 Kings 4:18 ). 3 . A master of the vineyards under David ( 1 Chronicles 27:27 ). 4 . A prince of the Judæan royal house, a brother of Zerubbabel ( 1 Chronicles 3:18 ). 5 . The name occurs in the tribal genealogies of both Simeon and Reuben ( 1 Chronicles 4:26-27; 1 Chronicles 5:4 [in v. 8 Shema ]). 6 . The grandson of Levi ( Exodus 6:17 , Numbers 3:18; Numbers 3:21 , 1Ch 6:17; 1 Chronicles 23:7; 1 Chronicles 23:9 ). 7 . A son of Merari ( 1 Chronicles 6:29 ). 8 . In the genealogy of Asaph ( 1 Chronicles 6:42 ). 9 . The tenth course of Levitical singers who were appointed by David ( 1 Chronicles 25:17 ). 10 . A Levite who took part in the cleansing of the Temple under Hezekiah, probably identical with one mentioned later as having charge of the tithes and oblations ( 2 Chronicles 29:14; 2 Chronicles 31:12-13 ). 11 . In post-exilic times the name appears among those who had married foreign wives ( Ezra 10:23 [ Esther 9:23 Esther 9:23 Semeis ] 33. [ 1Es 9:33 Semei ] 38 [ 1Es 9:34 Someis ]). The individuals referred to in 1Es 9:33; 1Es 9:38 belong to the laity. In Zechariah 12:13 the family of the Shimeites are mentioned as participants in the mourning for national guilt; they appear in this connexion as representatives of the Levites. 12 . The name occurs in the genealogy of Mordecai ( Esther 2:5 [Ad. Est 11:2 Sam emeias ]). 13 . Shammah, the brother of David, appears as Shimei in 2 Samuel 21:21 . 2 Samuel 21:14 . 1 Chronicles 8:21 = Shema of v. 18.
James A. Kelso.
