Bible Strands
1 Kings 2:40
So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records Shimei’s actions immediately after learning his two runaway slaves fled to Achish, king of Gath. This occurs during Solomon’s reign, directly following Shimei’s sworn oath not to leave Jerusalem.
The words — חֲמֹר֔/וֹ (cha.mo.R/o) means “his donkey,” and וַֽ/יַּחֲבֹשׁ֙ (va/i.ya.cha.Vosh) translates “and he saddled.” These terms denote the deliberate, physical preparation for a journey.
The thread — The narrative’s warning against misplaced pursuit aligns with the biblical theme that greed or disobedience invites trouble, as seen in Proverbs 15:27, Luke 12:15, and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that Shimei’s physical departure from Jerusalem directly violates his sworn oath, triggering the consequences Solomon previously declared. It requires the reader to see how practical choices, not just internal attitudes, fulfill or break covenant boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:27 He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
- Luke 12:15 And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
- 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.