You shall not die

They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD’s anointed.” David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath. 2 Samuel 19:18-23

David is restored to the kingship after Absalom’s death. As he crosses the Jordan to return to Jerusalem he is met by many people, some congratulating him, others seeking mercy after siding with Absalom. Shimei is one of the latter, throwing himself before David, pleading for forgiveness and his life. David did not threaten Shimei then, nor now. David is secure in his kingship, and more so, in God who has made him king again, that he is not challenged by Shimei and promises on oath that he will not die. In our lives today we may feel persecuted or threatened by people who are against Jesus. Can we be secure in our eternal position and our God who opened the door for all men to be reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus.