2 Samuel 19:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As a ferry crosses to carry the royal household, Shimei falls down before the king at the Jordan.
What Does 2 Samuel 19:18 Mean?
Practical help is arranged to bring the king's household over the river. In the midst of this activity, Shimei casts himself face-down before David at the very moment the king is crossing the Jordan. The man who once hurled curses now prostrates himself in humility, hoping for mercy rather than the judgment he deserves.
To fall down before the king is the posture of a suppliant, of one who has nothing to plead but mercy. Shimei's body confesses what his earlier words denied. There is hope in such humility: the kingdom of God belongs to those who come low and empty-handed. Falling before the King is the beginning of finding His grace.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 19:18
What does 2 Samuel 19:18 mean?
As a ferry crosses to carry the royal household, Shimei falls down before the king at the Jordan.