2 Samuel 19:23The king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." The king swore to him.
The setting
Jordan River crossing, Israel, ~1000 BC. Shimei, who cursed and threw stones at David during his darkest hour, now grovels before the returning king. David makes a public oath of mercy.
The emotion here: weary but determined to show grace
The original word
shaba (שָׁבַע) — to swear, make a solemn oath, bind oneself
Why it matters
Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's tribe, and saw David as a usurper who stole the throne
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 19:23
David swears an OATH - this isn't casual forgiveness but a binding promise that protects Shimei legally
Common misconceptionPeople think this shows David was too soft, but Solomon later executed Shimei for breaking house arrest - mercy had limits.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Samuel 19:23
Bible Genome reading
2 Samuel 19:23 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Samuel 19:23 comes from the book of 2 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to David. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 80% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the dialogue genre of biblical literature. Key themes include mercy, forgiveness. Notable phrases: You shall not die; The king swore. This verse contains a promise of God.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 2 Samuel 19:23 mean to you, today?
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