2 Samuel 16:13
ESV
So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.
NIV
So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.
NASB
So David and his men went on the road; and Shimei kept going on the hillside close beside him, and as he went he cursed and threw stones and dirt at him.
CSB
So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, threw stones at him, and kicked up dust.
NLT
So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing and throwing stones and dirt at David.
KJV
And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
NKJV
And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust.
What does 2 Samuel 16:13 mean?
After David took Bathsheba and murdered Uriah, it's not clear how many knew of David's sin outside his household. After Nathan confronted David, no mention is made of any public outcry (2 Samuel 12:1–15). Even Abishai, Uriah's commander, and Joab, who had to follow David's order to have Uriah killed, remain fiercely devoted to David (2 Samuel 11:14–17; 23:18, 39).So, when Absalom, David's son, marches on Jerusalem with a large following, no one seems to understand it's God's judgment on David. God told David that because he brought Uriah to a violent end, violence and evil would rise from his own household (2 Samuel 12:9–11). Everyone sees David suffering the humiliation of Absalom's rebellion, but they don't necessarily know why it's happening.
Now, a Benjamite named Shimei meets David and his fleeing people. He spews a string of curses so vile that Abishai offers to slice his head off. David tells him to stay. Shimei's claims that David stole the kingdom from Saul aren't even remotely true. But it's not the message that's scandalous. It's the sight of a man dishonoring the king in the presence of his faithful servants. David is with his household, three loyal units of Philistine warriors, and his mighty men (2 Samuel 15:14, 18; 16:6). He lets them watch as a madman rains accusations and stones on him as if he's committed a capital offense and deserves to be executed. David knows Shimei is doing what the people should have done after he killed Uriah. And maybe, as God sees David accept his punishment well, God will restore him (2 Samuel 16:11–12).
Even when David returns as king, he doesn't prosecute Shimei (2 Samuel 19:18–23). He won't let personal vengeance get in the way of good governing. When Solomon becomes king, however, David wants to make sure his son's reign is secure. He tells Solomon to punish Shimei appropriately (1 Kings 2:8–9). Solomon tells him to build a house in Jerusalem and never leave the city. For three years, Shimei gratefully complies. But when his slaves run away, he goes after them. When he returns, Solomon arrests him and has him executed (1 Kings 2:36–46).
