Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 16-18.
As David traveled with his men, a man named Shimei came and followed along with them, cursing David, throwing stones at the king and his servants, and accusing David of being a man of bloodshed who was receiving what he deserved in Absalom’s rebellion. Abishai, one of David’s men, wanted to kill Shimei for his taunting.
“Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.’ But the king said, ‘What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, “Curse David,” then who shall say, “Why have you done so?”’ Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, ‘Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him. Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.’
“So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him. The king and all his people who were with him arrived weary and he refreshed himself there” (2 Samuel 16:9-14).
Shimei’s speech was offensive to the followers of David. His words mocked the king and showed support for Absalom’s rebellion. Many rulers, upon receiving these verbal attacks, would have punished the speaker. Yet David did not. He knew that while this man’s speech was not pleasant, it must be protected on the chance that Shimei was speaking divine truth (2 Samuel 16:10).
I pray that the leaders in this country will continue to allow us the freedom to speak without retribution, just as David did with Shimei. When we accurately represent the Scriptures, we may teach things that are offensive to others. While we can (and should) continue to teach in the face of persecution, our efforts will be hindered in such circumstances. Free speech allows as many people to hear the gospel as possible. This is what God desires and is what we should pray for (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
Tomorrow’s reading: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
