1 Kings 2:39 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After three years, two of Shimei's servants flee to Gath, and he learns where they are.
What Does 1 Kings 2:39 Mean?
After three years of quiet obedience, a test arrives. Two of Shimei's servants run away to Gath, and word comes back to him of where they have gone. A small crisis appears, tempting him to step beyond the boundary set for his life.
The passing of three years had perhaps dulled the urgency of the king's command. Now an ordinary loss -- runaway servants -- becomes the occasion of a fateful choice. The verse shows how testing often comes not in dramatic temptation but in the seemingly small concerns of daily life, where a long-kept resolve can quietly slip if the heart is not watchful.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 2:39
What does 1 Kings 2:39 mean?
After three years, two of Shimei's servants flee to Gath, and he learns where they are.