1 Kings 2:42 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Solomon summons Shimei and reminds him of the oath he swore and the clear warning he had accepted.
What Does 1 Kings 2:42 Mean?
Solomon calls Shimei before him and lays out the case plainly. Had he not made Shimei swear by the LORD, warning him that leaving the city meant certain death? And had Shimei not himself answered, 'The word that I have heard is good'? The king recalls both the command and Shimei's own acceptance of it.
The summons is just, grounded in Shimei's full knowledge and free agreement. He cannot claim ignorance, for he had called the terms 'good' with his own mouth. The verse underscores that judgment here falls on one who chose with open eyes. When the conditions of mercy are made clear and freely accepted, their breach leaves no excuse to plead.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 2:42
What does 1 Kings 2:42 mean?
Solomon summons Shimei and reminds him of the oath he swore and the clear warning he had accepted.