Shimei (Obed-edom)

The son of Gershon, the grandson of Levi, and the brother of Libni (Exodus 6:17; Numbers 3:18; 1 Chronicles 6:17). He was the father of four sons and the founder of the Shimeite family (Numbers 3:21; 1 Chronicles 23:7, 10; Zechariah 12:13).

A Benjaminite, and the son of Gera from the house of Saul. He met King David at the village of Bahurim during the king’s journey from Jerusalem to Mahanaim. Here Shimei severely criticized David, cursing him for the ruin of Saul’s house (2 Samuel 16:5–13). Later, Shimei repented of his shameful behavior, asked for David’s forgiveness, and was pardoned by the king (2 Samuel 19:16–23). After David’s death, King Solomon ordered Shimei to stay in Jerusalem and never to leave the city for any reason. Shimei did not listen to the order and was killed (1 Kings 2:8, 36–44).