“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.
Benaiah and Zadok stepped into roles left vacant by unfaithful men, and here God's promise to raise up a faithful priest was fulfilled. Sacred offices may be disgraced by those who hold them badly, but God's work never stops for want of willing hands.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:35-46
And it came to pass, at the end of three years,.... He had dwelt at Jerusalem: that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maachah king of Gath; and they told Shimei, saying, behold, thy servant be in Gath; he being a churlish, ill-natured man, always cursing or beating them, or imposing too hard service upon them, or not...
Joab's crimes warranted death long ago, but his power with the army shielded him until now. He fled to the altar hoping religious scruple would stay the executioner's hand, but the law permits no sanctuary for a murderer and rebel.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 2:28-45