Shimei Curses David, Who Restrains Abishai

5When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man came out from there, from the clan of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei son of Gera; he came out continually, cursing as he came.

6And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, while all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left.

7And Shimei said as he cursed him, “Get out, get out, man of bloodshed and worthless man!”

8Yahweh has brought back upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you reigned, and Yahweh has given the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. And look, you are in your calamity, because you are a man of bloodshed.

9Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.”

10But the king said, “What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ then who can say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

11Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Look, my son, who came out from my own body, is seeking my life; how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him to.”

12Perhaps Yahweh will look on my affliction, and Yahweh will repay me with good in place of his cursing this day.

13So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, going along and cursing, and throwing stones opposite him and flinging dust.

14The king and all the people who were with him arrived weary, and they refreshed themselves there.