by David Chadwick
We have taken some time to search out the bad guys and good guys of the Bible. The heroes and villains who God used to write out the greatest story ever told.
Have you heard of a Bible character named Shimei? There are actually 18 different characters in the Bible named Shimei. But the one I want to focus on is found in 2 Samuel 16:5-6. He is today’s bad guy of the Bible.
The Shimei of 2 Samuel 16 was the son of Gera and part of King Saul’s clan. His loyalty to Saul and his kingship was fierce.
When David was fleeing from Absalom after his son’s rebellion, he ran into Shimei who began to curse David. He believed David was stealing Saul’s throne. He blamed David for Saul’s death in battle against the Philistines. Shimei told David that Absalom’s rebellion was God’s judgment on him because of the way he had treated Saul.
As the accusations were hurling toward David, David’s men wanted to kill Shimei on the spot, but David refused to allow it to happen. David’s response showed true humility. He basically said, “Don’t kill him. How do I know that God isn’t speaking to me through him?”
Later on, after David defeated Absalom and his army, Shimei came back and apologized to David for what he had said. Upon showing his face, David’s men were ready to kill him once again, but David wouldn’t allow it. In fact, David promised to never kill Shimei, and he never did.
Interestingly, after David died, Solomon knew of Shimei and his despicable and chameleon-like character. Solomon wanted to keep a watchful eye on this potential traitor. After being instructed by Solomon never to leave Jerusalem, Shemei did so anyway, and Solomon had him seized and executed.
What is the message here? When faced with criticism, pause and listen to it. Ask God if there is any truth in it. If the accusation is found to be unjust and out of alignment with God’s voice over your life, never seek revenge. Let justice remain in God’s hands and leave room for his wrath (Romans 12:19).
Eventually, vengeance came to Shimei, but it came in God’s way and in his timing. Who knows who God may use to correct us? It could even come through a bad guy. If you remain humble, God can use even the most villainous people to refine you and propel you into greater holiness and purity.
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