2 Samuel

2 Samuel 19: The king shows mercy

Begin in prayer

Before we read about David’s return to Jerusalem, let us come before the LORD together. Ask Him to show us how David spared Shimei, and to help us come to Jesus with our sin.

Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.

Psalm 39:8

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that David spared Shimei when he confessed his sin, and show us Jesus, who forgives all who come to Him. Help us to come to You with our sin. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Joab tells David that his grief has shamed the men who saved his life. David rises and sits in the gate, and the people come before him. Judah invites him back, and David crosses the Jordan. Shimei falls before the king and confesses that he has sinned, and David swears that he will not die. Mephibosheth comes down, and he says that Ziba deceived him. David divides the land between them. Barzillai, who is eighty years old, refuses a place at court and blesses the king before he goes home.

As you read 2 Samuel 19, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

David spares Shimei when he confesses his sin, and Jesus forgives all who come to Him.

Joab tells David that his grief for Absalom shames the men who saved his life (verses 5 and 6). David sits in the gate to speak to the people (verse 8). Judah invites him back, and the king crosses the Jordan (verses 11 to 15). Shimei, who had cursed David, falls before the king and says, “I have sinned” (verses 18 to 20). Abishai wants him put to death, but David swears that Shimei will not die (verses 21 to 23). The LORD is named only in Abishai’s words (verse 21). This is a human king’s mercy to a man who confessed. Mephibosheth says that Ziba deceived him, and David divides the land (verses 26 to 29). Christ is the greater King, and He forgives every sinner who confesses and comes to Him (1 John 1 verse 9).

How does 2 Samuel 19 show us that David spares Shimei when he confesses his sin, and that Jesus forgives all who come to Him?

David’s grief shames his loyal men.

Joab tells David that his grief for Absalom shames the men who saved his life (verses 5 and 6). David sits in the gate, and the people come before him (verse 8). The men of Judah invite him back to Jerusalem (verses 11 to 15).

Shimei confesses his sin, and David shows mercy.

Shimei falls before the king and says, “I have sinned” (verse 20). Abishai wants him killed, but David swears that Shimei will not die (verses 21 to 23). A king’s mercy to one who confesses is a true kindness, and it is not a reason to make light of sin.

Mephibosheth is glad the king is home, and Jesus forgives those who come.

Mephibosheth says Ziba deceived him, and David divides the land between them (verses 26 and 29). Mephibosheth answers, “let him take all, because my lord the king has come in peace to his own house” (verse 30). Jesus is the greater King, and He forgives those who come to Him (1 John 1 verse 9).

Memorise

The king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” The king swore to him.

2 Samuel 19:23

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what sin do I need to confess, and where do I take it?

Shimei fell before the king and said, “I have sinned.” He asked the king not to count his sin against him. David swore that Shimei would not die, and he showed him mercy. Jesus is the greater King, and His mercy goes further.

David’s mercy spared one man from death. The mercy of Jesus is greater, because it reaches every sinner who comes to Him. Jesus died on the cross for His people, and He paid the debt of their sin in full. He was buried, and God raised Him to life.

So come to Him, and confess your sin. Turn from it and trust Jesus. Everyone who confesses sin and trusts Him will receive mercy, and God forgives their sin.

Parent's note

Tell your children that a king showed mercy to a man who confessed his sin, and that Jesus is the greater King. Parents, please explain in your own words that David showed mercy to Shimei (verses 16 to 23). Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that Jesus forgives all who come to Him, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them.

Nehemiah 9:17

Lord God, thank You that You are ready to forgive those who confess their sin, and that Jesus died for His people. Give each person here grace to turn from sin and trust Jesus. Help us to bring our sin to You this week, and bring our heart question to You. Amen.