There were several of this name in the Old Testament. (2 Sam. 16. 5, &c. 1 Kings i. 8. 1 Chron. 4: 27, &c.) The name seems to be derived from Shamaah, fame - - and the post - fix pronoun makes it, my fame.
Shim´ei (renowned), a member of the family of Saul, residing at Bahurim, who grievously insulted King David when he fled from Absalom (2Sa 16:5-13). The king not only saved him from the immediate resentment of his followers, but on his triumphant return by the same road after the overthrow of his rebellious son, he bestowed on Shimei the pardon which he implored (2Sa 19:16). It seems, however, that it was policy which chiefly dictated this course, for it was by the advice of David himself (1Ki 2:8-9) that Solomon, after his father’s death, made Shimei a prisoner at large in Jerusalem (1Ki 2:36-37). Three years after he broke his parole by leaving Jerusalem in pursuit of some runaway slaves, and was, on his return, put to death by order of the king (1Ki 2:39-46).
Shim’ei. (renowned).
1. Son of Gershon, the son of Levi, Num 3:18; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 6:29; 1Ch 23:7; 1Ch 23:9-10; Zec 12:13, called Shimi in Exo 6:17. (B.C. after 1706).
2. Shimei, the son of Gera, a Benjamite of the house of Saul, who lived at Bahurim. (B.C. 1023). When David and his suite were seen descending the long defile, on his flight from Absolom, 2Sa 16:5-13, the whole feeling of the clan of Benjamin burst forth, without restraint, in the person of Shimei. He ran along the ridge, cursing and throwing stones at the king and his companions. The next meeting was very different. The king was now returning from his successful campaign.
Just as he was crossing the Jordan, 2Sa 19:18, the first person to welcome him was Shimei, who threw himself at David’s feet in abject penitence. But the king’s suspicions were not set at rest by this submission; and on his death-bed, he recalls the whole scene to the recollection of his son, Solomon. Solomon gave Shimei notice that from henceforth, he must consider himself confined to the walls of Jerusalem, on pain of death. 1Ki 3:36-37. For three years, the engagement was kept. At the end of that time, for the purpose of capturing two slaves who had escaped to Gath, he went out on his ass, and made his journey successfully. 1Ki 2:40. On his return, the king took him at his word, and he was slain by Benaiah. 1Ki 2:41-46.
3. One of the adherents of Solomon, at the time of Adonjah’s usurpation. 1Ki 1:8. (B.C.1015).
4. Solomon’s commissariat officer in Benjamin. 1Ki 4:18.
5. Son of Pedaiah, and brother of Zerubbabel. 1Ch 3:19. (B.C. 536).
6. A Simeonite, son of Zacchur. 1Ch 4:26-27.
7. Son of Gog, a Reubenite. 1Ch 5:4.
8. A Gershonite Levite, son of Jahath. 1Ch 6:42.
9. Son of Jeduthun, and chief of the tenth division of the singers. 1Ch 25:17.
10. The Ramathite, who was over David’s vineyards. 1Ch 27:27.
11. A Levite, of the sons of Heman, who took part in the purification of the Temple, under Zedekiah. 2Ch 29:14. (B.C. 726).
12. The brother of Cononiah, the Levite, in the reign of Hezekiah. 2Ch 31:12-13. Perhaps the same as Shimei, 11.
13. A Levite, in the time of Ezra, who had married a foreign wife. Ezr 10:23.
14. One of the family of Hashum, who put away his foreign wife at Ezra’s command. Ezr 10:33.
15. A son of Bani, who had also married a foreign wife, and put her away. Ezr 10:38. (B.C. 459).
16. Son of Kish, a Benjamite, and ancestor of Mordecai. Est 2:5. (B.C. before 479). See Shimi.
1. Son of Gershom, son of Levi (1Ch 23:7; 1Ch 23:9-10; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 6:29; Num 3:18; Zec 12:13).
2. Son of Gera, a Benjamite, of Saul’s house; at Bahurim, a marked spot on the way from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, just within Benjamin; to this point Phaltiel followed Michal (2Sa 3:16). When David, fleeing from Absalom, reached the edge of the valley, between the road and Shimei’s house, Shimei ran along the ridge over against the road, cursing and throwing stones and dust at him and his mighty men still as he went; and saying, "Come out, come out, thou bloody man and thou man of Belial the Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul (referring to his hanging up Saul’s sons for the Gibeonites, 2 Samuel 21, which in time preceded this; also to his general engagement in wars, 1Ch 22:8), and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son, and behold thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man" (2Sa 16:5-13). Abishai would have "taken off his head" then and there, as a "dead dog" presuming to "curse the king."
But David felt it was Jehovah’s doing: "let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him; it may be that the Lord will look on shine affliction, and requite me good for his cursing." An undesigned coincidence between David’s language in the history and in the independent psalms, a mark of genuineness (Psa 109:17; Psa 109:28, "let them curse, but bless Thou"; Psa 25:18, "look upon mine affliction," etc.). Shimei wisely was the "first of the house of Joseph" to meet David on his victorious return over Jordan (compare spiritually our wisdom, Luk 14:32). A thousand Benjamites, and Ziba with his 15 sons and 20 servants, were with him. He fell down before the king, confessing his sin and begging David not to "impute iniquity" to him, or remember and take to heart his perversity; spiritually compare Mat 5:25; Psa 32:1-6. Again Abishai would have slain Shimei, but David felt his day of restoration to the kingdom was no day for avenging wrongs, and said "thou shalt not die."
But on his deathbed David felt, though he forgave Shimei the personal wrong, yet that public justice required his punishment in some form, for David was not likely, in going to appear before God, to cherish revenge after having spared him twice when he might justly have slain him. To Solomon he committed the fulfillment of the duty unfulfilled by himself; "thou knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him." The impunity of Shimei as of Joab had brought the law into discredit, for Shimei was living in court favor at Jerusalem, "thou hast with thee Shimei" (1Ki 2:8). Anticipating from Shimei’s restless spirit that he would attempt some fresh lawlessness, David says, "his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood." However, as Solomon did not put him to death but gave him a chance of life, some understand "not" after "bring thou down," taken from the former clause "hold him not guiltless," and "bring not down his hoar head," etc.
So in 1Sa 2:3, where two prohibitions come together, the negative is expressed only in the first clause and understood in the second. Solomon bound him on pain of death to build a house, and stay at Jerusalem, and not cross the Kedron which separated him from the road to his old abode at Bahurim. After the lapse of three years Shimei went after two slaves of his, who had fled to Achish of Gath. His breach of his own oath brought on him the king’s threatened penalty; he was slain by Benaiah. Thus he brought, "on his own head" his wickedness towards David which David had left unavenged; justice had its course so by "taking away the wicked from before the king, his throne was established in righteousness" (Pro 25:5; 1Ki 2:36-46; Psa 7:16; Eze 17:19).
3. Faithful to Solomon in Adonijah’s rebellion (1Ki 1:8); identified with Shimei son of Elah (1Ki 4:18), Solomon’s commissariat officer in Benjamin; or with Shimei or Shammah, David’s brother, or Shammah the Ararite (2Sa 23:11).
4. Son of Pedaiah, Zerubbabel’s brother (1Ch 3:19).
5. Son of Zacchur, a Simeonite (1Ch 4:26-27); he had 16 sons and six daughters.
6. Son of Gog a Reubenite (1Ch 5:4).
7. A Gershonite Levite, son of Jahath (1Ch 6:42).
8. Son of Jeduthun, chief of the tenth division of singers (1Ch 25:17).
9. The Ramathite, over David’s vineyards (1Ch 27:27).
10. A Levite, of the sons of Heman; took part in the purification of the temple under Hezekiah (2Ch 29:14).
11. The Levite, Cononiah’s brother, having charge of the offerings, etc., under Hezekiah (2Ch 31:12-13). 2Ch 31:12. A Levite in Ezra’s time (Ezr 10:23), married a foreign wife; also SEMIS.
13. Of the Hashum family, put away his foreign wife (Ezr 10:33).
14. Son of Bani, put away his foreign wife (Ezr 10:38).
15. Ancestor of Mordecai, son of Kish, of Benjamin (Est 2:5).
Shimei (shĭm’e-î), famous. The name of 14 or more Hebrews, of whom the two following may be described. 1. A son of Gershon the son of Levi, Num 3:18; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 6:42; 1Ch 23:7; 1Ch 23:9-10; called Shimi, Exo 6:17, A. V. It is to his descendants, probably, that reference is made in Zec 12:13; comp. Num 3:21. 2. The son of Gera, a Benjamite and a kinsman of Saul, who insulted king David when fleeing before Absalom, and humbled himself on David’s return. Shimei gave bis parole never to leave Jerusalem, but broke it by pursuing his fugitive servants to Gath, and was put to death on returning. 2Sa 16:6-14; 2Sa 19:16-23; 1Ki 2:8-9; 1Ki 2:36-46.
[Shim’ei]
1. Son of Gershon, the son of Levi. Num 3:18; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 23:7; 1Ch 23:9-10. Called SHIMI in Exo 6:17.
2. Son of Gera, a Benjamite, of the house of Saul: he cursed David, calling him ’a man of Belial,’ and threw stones and dust at him, when he was hastening from Jerusalem at the rebellion of Absalom; but made submission on David’s return, and was not then punished. David at his death reminded Solomon of Shimei’s wickedness, for he had cursed the Lord’s anointed king. Solomon promised Shimei his life on the condition that he did not go out of Jerusalem; but he broke the compact and was put to death. 2Sa 16:5-13; 2Sa 19:18-23; 1Ki 2:8-46.
3. Officer of David who kept aloof from Adonijah on his usurpation. 1Ki 1:8.
4. Son of Elah and one of Solomon’s commissariat officers. 1Ki 4:18.
5. Son of Pedaiah, a son of Jeconiah. 1Ch 3:19.
6. Son of Zacchur, of the tribe of Simeon. 1Ch 4:26-27.
7. Son of Gog, of the tribe of Reuben. 1Ch 5:4.
8. Son of Libni, a Merarite. 1Ch 6:29.
9. Son of Jahath, a son of Gershon. 1Ch 6:42.
10. Chief of the tenth course in the service of song. 1Ch 25:17.
11. The Ramathite who was over the vineyards of David. 1Ch 27:27.
12. Son of Heman: he took part in the purification of the temple. 2Ch 29:14.
13. Levite who had charge of the offerings. 2Ch 31:12-13.
14. Levite who had married a strange wife. Ezr 10:23.
15, 16. Two who had married strange wives. Ezr 10:33; Ezr 10:38.
17. Son of Kish, a Benjamite, and grandfather of Mordecai. Est 2:5.
18. A family who will mourn apart on the repentance of Jerusalem. Zec 12:13. This is by some associated with No. 1; but SIMEON is read in the margin, and in the LXX, the Arabic and Syriac versions. See under ZECHARIAH, Zech. 12.
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By: Emil G. Hirsch, J. F. McLaughlin, Wilhelm Bacher, Jacob Zallel Lauterbach
—1. Biblical Data:
Benjamite of Bahurim, son of Gera, "a man of the family of the house of Saul" (II Sam. xvi. 5-14, xix. 16-23; I Kings ii. 8-9, 36-46). He is mentioned as one of David's tormentors during his flight before Absalom, and as imploring and winning David's forgiveness when the latter returned. David, however, in his dying charge to Solomon, bade him avenge the insult (I Kings ii. 1-9). Without sufficient reason, this last passage has been regarded by Wellhausen, Stade, and others as unhistorical.
—In Rabbinical Literature:
When Shimei cursed David (II Sam. xvi. 5 et seq.) he used the most insulting names, taunting him, moreover, with his Moabite descent and with his adultery with Bath-sheba (Shab. 105a). He later besought David's forgiveness, however (II Sam. xix. 17-21), and addressed him as follows: "The brothers of Joseph did him injury, but Joseph returned good for evil. Be thou as Joseph, and recompense me with good, though I dealt evilly with thee. It was not I alone but all Israel that entreated thee ill. They now await my fate, and if thou forgivest me, they will come and make peace with thee and surrender themselves to thee" (Yalḳ. ii. 151). Shimei afterward became Solomon's instructor, and restrained him from marrying the daughter of Pharaoh, so that she did not become the wife of the King of Israel until after his teacher's death (Midr. Teh. to Ps. iii. 1; Ber. 8a).
W. B. J. Z. L.
2. Second son of Gershon and grandson of Levi (Ex. vi. 17; Num. iii. 18; I Chron. vi. 17). The family of the Shimeites, as a branch of the tribe of Levi, is mentioned in Num. iii. 18, 21; I Chron. xxiii. 7, 10, 11 ("Shimei" in verse 9 is evidently a scribal error); and in Zech. xii. 13.
3. Name of a number of persons about whom little or nothing is known: e.g., a friend of David (I Kings i. 8); a brother of David, called also Shammah, Shimeah, and Shimea (I Sam. xvi. 9, xvii. 13; II Sam. xiii. 3, xxi. 21; I Chron. ii. 13, xx. 7); one of Solomon's prefects, over the district of Benjamin (I Kings iv. 18); a grandson of Simeon, who is described as the father of many sons and daughters, and whose clan dwelt in southern Palestine (I Chron. iv. 26, 27); a grandson of Jeconiah and brother of Zerubbabel (I Chron. iii. 19); a Reubenite (I Chron. v. 4); Levites (I Chron. vi. 29, 42; xxv. 17; II Chron. xxix. 14; xxxi. 12, 13); a Benjamite chief (I Chron. viii. 21, R. V.; comp. ib. v. 13); "the Ramathite," one of David's officers (I Chron. xxvii. 27); a Levite and other Israelites whom Ezra required to put away their foreign wives (Ezra x. 23, 33, 38); grandfather of Mordecai (Esth. ii. 5).
(1) A family name among the Levites before and after the exile, at least five of whom bore it: (a) Son of Gershon and grandson of Levi (Exo 6:17; Num 3:18; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 23:7, 1Ch 23:10). The text of 1 Chronicles 6 and 23 is corrupt, making difficult the tracing of the various genealogies and the identification of the several Shimeis. Evidently that of 1Ch 23:9 is a scribe’s error for one of the four sons of Ladan or Libni, whose names are given in the preceding verse. (b) An ancestor of Asaph the musician (1Ch 6:42), possibly the same as (a) above, Jahath the son of South (compare 1Ch 23:10) being by a copyist’s error transposed so as to read as if he were the father of South (c) A descendant of the Merarite branch of the Levites (1Ch 6:29). (d) One of the 288 trained singers in the service of the sanctuary under Asaph (1Ch 25:17). (e) One of the Levites who helped to cleanse the Temple in Hezekiah’s reformation (2Ch 29:14). He was a descendant of Heman the musician. Hezekiah afterward appointed him with Conaniah to have chief oversight of “the oblations and the tithes and the dedicated things” which were brought into the chambers of Yahweh’s house prepared for them (2Ch 31:11, 2Ch 31:12). (f) A Levite who under Ezra put away his foreign wife (Ezr 10:23), “Semeis” in 1 Esdras 9:23.
(2) The best-known Bible character of this name is the Benjamite, of the family of Saul (2Sa 16:5-12; 2Sa 19:16-20; 1Ki 2:8, 1Ki 2:9, 1Ki 2:36-46), who met David at Bahurim as he was fleeing from Absalom, and in bitter and cowardly fashion cursed and attacked the hard-pressed king. Apparently David’s flight to the Jordan led through a narrow ravine, on one side of which, or on the ridge above, stood Shimei in safety as he cast stones at David and his men, cursing as he threw (2Sa 16:5, 2Sa 16:6). His hatred of David who had displaced his royal kinsman Saul had smouldered long in his mean heart; and now the flame bursts out, as the aged and apparently helpless king flees before his own son. Shimei seizes the long-coveted opportunity to pour out the acid hate of his heart. But when David’s faithful companions would cross the ravine to make quick work of Shimei, the noble king forbade them with these remarkable words: “Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh hath bidden him. It may be that Yahweh ... will requite me good for his cursing” (2Sa 16:11, 2Sa 16:12). After Absalom’s overthrow, as the king was returning victorious and vindicated, Shimei met him at the Jordan with most abject confession and with vows of allegiance (2Sa 19:16-23).
The king spared his life; but shortly before his death charged his son Solomon to see that due punishment should come to Shimei for his sins: “Thou shalt bring his hoar head down to Sheol with blood” (1Ki 2:9). When he came to the throne Solomon summoned Shimei and bade him build a house in Jerusalem, to which he should come and from which he must not go out on pain of death (1Ki 2:36-38). Feeling secure after some years, Shimei left his home in Jerusalem to recapture some escaped slaves (1Ki 2:39-41), and in consequence he was promptly dispatched by that gruesome avenger of blood, the royal executioner, “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,” who “fell upon him,” as he had upon Adonijah and Joab, “so that he died” (1Ki 2:46).
(3) Another Benjamite, mentioned with Rei as an officer in the king’s bodyguard, who was faithful to David in the rebellion of Adonijah (1Ki 1:8). Josephus reads Rei as a common noun, describing Shimei as “the friend of David.” He is to be identified with the son of Elah (1Ki 4:18), whom Solomon, probably because of his fidelity, named as one of the 12 chief commissary officers appointed over all Israel, “who provided victuals for the king and his household.”
(4) A man of some prominence in the tribe of Benjamin (1Ch 8:21), whose home was in Aijalon, where he was a “head of fathers’ houses” (1Ch 8:13); but his descendants lived in Jerusalem (1Ch 8:28). In the King James Version he is called “Shimhi”; in 1Ch 8:13 he is called “Shema.”
(5) Another Benjamite, an ancestor of Mordecai (Est 2:5), “Semeias” in Additions to Esther 11:2.
(6) A brother of David (2Sa 21:21, the King James Version “Shimeah”); in 1Sa 16:9 he is called “Shammah”; compare “Shimeah,” “Shimea.”
(7) A man of Judah, called “the Ramathite,” who was “over the vineyards” in David’s reign (1Ch 27:27).
(8) A Simeonite living in the time of David (1Ch 4:26, 1Ch 4:27), whose chief claim to distinction was that he was father of 16 sons and 6 daughters. The descendants of such a numerous progeny, not being able to maintain themselves in their ancestral home in Beer-sheba, in the days of Hezekiah fell upon Gerar, and dispossessed “the sons of Ham” (1Ch 4:39, the Septuagint), and upon Mt. Seir, driving out the Amalekites (1Ch 4:43).
(9) A man of Reuben, son of Gog (1Ch 5:4).
(10), (11) Two men of “Israel,” i.e. not priests or Levites, one “of the sons of Hashum” (Ezr 10:33), the other “of the sons of Bani” (Ezr 10:38), who put away their foreign wives at Ezra’s command, in 1 Esdras called respectively “Semei” (9:33) and “Someis” (9:34).
(12) A brother of Zerubbabel (1Ch 3:19).
The Shimeites were descendants of Shimei, grandson of Levi; compare (1) (a) above (Num 3:21; Zec 12:13).