2 Samuel 16 9

2 Samuel 16:9 kjv

Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

2 Samuel 16:9 nkjv

Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!"

2 Samuel 16:9 niv

Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head."

2 Samuel 16:9 esv

Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head."

2 Samuel 16:9 nlt

"Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?" Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. "Let me go over and cut off his head!"

2 Samuel 16 verses

2 Samuel 16 9 Meaning

2 Samuel 16:9 presents Abishai's immediate and fervent reaction to Shimei's insolent cursing of King David. Abishai, a loyal but impetuous nephew of David, vehemently questions why such a contemptible person—referred to as a "dead dog"—should be allowed to dishonor the anointed king. He then volunteers to summarily execute Shimei on the spot by decapitation, showcasing his intense loyalty and hot temper, in stark contrast to David's more patient and divinely-guided response in the subsequent verses.

2 Samuel 16 9 Context

The events of 2 Samuel 16 occur during a critical and deeply painful period in David's life: his forced flight from Jerusalem due to the rebellion orchestrated by his own son, Absalom. David has just experienced Ziba's cunning deception regarding Mephibosheth (2 Sam 16:1-4). Immediately following this, as David and his loyal retinue are nearing Bahurim, they encounter Shimei of the house of Saul (2 Sam 16:5). Shimei vehemently curses David, throws stones and dust at him, openly accusing him of being a man of bloodshed, implying David unjustly took Saul's throne and that God is now bringing divine retribution through Absalom (2 Sam 16:6-8). This public, direct, and humiliating assault on David's person and reign elicits a fierce and protective response from Abishai, setting the stage for David's remarkable and faithful counter-response in 2 Samuel 16:10-12, where he demonstrates submission to God's sovereign will even in suffering.

2 Samuel 16 9 Word analysis

• Then Abishai: Abishai (Hebrew: אֲבִישַׁי, ʼĂḇīshay) was one of David's nephews, the son of his sister Zeruiah, and brother to Joab and Asahel. He was a prominent military commander and one of David's "mighty men," known for his fierce loyalty, bravery, but also for his impetuous and sometimes ruthless nature (e.g., his role in killing Abner in 2 Sam 3:30; wanting to kill Saul in 1 Sam 26:8; wanting to kill Shimei again in 2 Sam 19:21). His character highlights the strong, unwavering support but also the aggressive impulses David often had to temper within his close circle.
• the son of Zeruiah: This identifies Abishai's close familial relationship to David (as David's nephew), emphasizing the personal nature of his protective zeal. Zeruiah (צְרוּיָה, Ṣĕrūyāh) was one of David's sisters, establishing his loyalty as stemming from family ties as well as military allegiance.
• said to the king: Abishai addresses David formally, acknowledging his authority despite their familial connection and the crisis at hand.
• "Why should this dead dog curse:
  • dead dog" (כֶּלֶב מֵת, kelev met): This is a powerful and highly contemptuous idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying utter worthlessness, humiliation, and lack of power. It indicates that the person described is insignificant and contemptible, beneath notice, like a carcass thrown aside. In 1 Sam 24:14, David humbly used it to describe himself to Saul ("After whom has the king of Israel come out? After a dead dog!"), demonstrating his submission and lack of threat. Similarly, Mephibosheth uses it to describe himself before David in 2 Sam 9:8 ("What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?"). Here, Abishai uses it as a term of supreme derision for Shimei, implying Shimei is so lowly he doesn't even deserve to live, let alone challenge the king.
  • curse" (קָלַל, qalal): To treat lightly, dishonor, diminish, bring a curse upon, or speak evil against. It implies a direct assault on the dignity, authority, and even divine standing of the cursed person. To curse the king, especially the LORD's anointed, was considered a grievous offense, almost treasonous, often punishable by death (cf. Exod 22:28). Shimei's cursing was public, sustained, and venomous, making it particularly egregious in Abishai's eyes.
• my lord the king?": This reaffirms Abishai's deep respect and unwavering loyalty to David's office and person. He sees Shimei's actions as a direct affront to David's sacred authority.
• Let me go over and take off his head.":
  • This is a direct and violent proposal for summary execution, specifically decapitation. This was a common method of execution in ancient times, particularly for traitors or those who committed grave offenses, signifying utter defeat and dismemberment.
  • The phrase expresses Abishai's fervent zeal and unhesitating willingness to act decisively to defend his king's honor, even if it means resorting to immediate, brutal violence. It contrasts sharply with David's patient and God-centered response, which views the cursing as potentially being divinely sanctioned, not merely an act of human malice.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?": This rhetorical question highlights Abishai's indignation and outrage. He cannot fathom why someone so lowly would be permitted to insult such a revered figure, indicating a profound understanding of the king's sacred position. The contrast between "dead dog" and "my lord the king" is immense, underscoring the perceived blasphemy and impertinence of Shimei.
  • "Let me go over and take off his head.": This phrase captures the immediate, violent, and unthinking zeal of Abishai. It reveals his predisposition to solve problems through force, prioritizing immediate vindication and punishment over a more considered or divine response. This impulsiveness is a recurring characteristic of Abishai and his brother Joab in the narrative, often requiring David's restraint.

2 Samuel 16 9 Bonus section

• The immediate execution of an insolent party was a common expectation for ancient kings and military leaders. Abishai’s response aligns with these cultural norms, making David's forbearance even more remarkable.
• The incident highlights the dangers of hot-headed, loyal, but often reckless subordinates, a recurring tension for David throughout his reign with figures like Abishai and Joab. David often had to choose between his personal desires/impulses and God's will for his kingdom, which was not always vengeance.
• The "curse" delivered by Shimei was a significant attack on the king’s divine legitimacy, particularly because it echoed elements of the Mosaic curses against those who shed innocent blood. Shimei effectively called David a bloody man and claimed divine retribution was coming.
• While David initially pardons Shimei due to the divine interpretation of events, Shimei's ultimate fate under Solomon (1 Kgs 2) reveals that sin, even if delayed, eventually faces justice, particularly if further defiance occurs.

2 Samuel 16 9 Commentary

2 Samuel 16:9 powerfully depicts the visceral reaction of King David's devoted general, Abishai, to the public humiliation inflicted by Shimei. Abishai's passionate plea to "take off his head" stems from a fierce loyalty and a profound indignation at the blatant disrespect shown to the Lord's Anointed. For Abishai, Shimei is not merely a commoner, but a "dead dog"—a term of utter contempt, signifying someone so utterly worthless they deserve nothing but death for daring to "curse" the king. This strong language emphasizes the gravity of Shimei's act in the eyes of David's loyal followers, a violation of divine and social order. Abishai’s immediate desire for summary execution reflects a prevalent ancient mindset concerning honor, authority, and punishment for perceived treason. However, this aggressive impulse sets the stage for David’s unexpected response, which reveals his spiritual maturity and submission to God's sovereign will, acknowledging the possibility of divine orchestration even in suffering. This brief interaction foreshadows broader biblical themes of patience in affliction, reliance on divine justice, and the contrast between human impulses and God's perfect timing.