Elect Lady's Corner

Who was Shemei? Shemei was a Benjamite of Bahurim and the son of Gera, a man from the family of the house of Saul. Shemei is mentioned as one of David’s tormentors, during the time he fled for his life from his son Absalom, who forced him off the throne. As David fled, Shemei cursed David and threw stones at him and his officials. Shemei retorted to David that God was punishing him for murdering king Saul and his family to take the throne from King Saul. 

But now God was repaying David for his wrong by allowing his son Absalom, to take the throne from him. It’s a hard thing when you’re going through and the Enemy hits you with reasoning! That’s a double whammy! It’s never a good thing to hold grudges, but especially against a man or woman of God. If they’re wrong, God will deal with them! So, what is a grudge? 

A grudge is defined as: “a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.” Shemei was very resentful and angry at David for becoming King, because it took down not only the honor of King Saul but his status personally as a part of the royal family.  But one of David’s officials, Abishai, observing the insults and the rocks thrown by Shemei, said to David: “Let me go to this dead dog and take his head off for dishonoring you like that!” 

But, sometimes when you’re in the heat of the battle, and it seems like your back is against the wall, it’s better to step back and let the Lord fight your battle! David replied in 2 Samuel 16:11b-12: “…let him alone, and let him curse… It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day.” 

But, as David and his men continued on their journey, Shemei continued on along a hillside throwing stones at David and throwing dirt. However, later, God gave David victory over the battle with his son, Absalom; and when Absalom was killed, David was restored to his kingship.  Now, Shemei, hearing of David’s victory, returned to David immediately, the first to greet David from his family, calling him lord and referring to himself as David’s servant while pleading for his life. 

You have to be sure when you’re holding grudges against a man or woman of God that the grudges and the accusations that you’re holding against them, does not return to bite you! Again, Abishai said to David: “Shemei should die for the way he cursed and spoke to the Lord’s anointed!” But David had mercy on Shemei and allowed him to live in honor of God giving him the victory. 

However, after David is deceased, Solomon, David’s son became king, and he had Shemei executed. So, learn in the long run, grudges can do more harm to you than the person you’re holding the grudge against, so let it go, it’s not worth it! Don’t have the heart of Shemei, and hold grudges and accusations against the righteous; but as stated in Psalm 141:5: “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” 

And lastly, if you really want God to forgive you of your many sins, don’t hold grudges! But live by the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:15 which said: “but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” That’s something you can’t shimmy your way out!