THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Some criticize David for ignoring Sheba’s words. I have often stated that prophets do not possess complete knowledge; however, Siba’s remarks seemed plausible. He approached King David and implied that his lord was contemplating a kingdom. Additionally, Siba presented gifts as a show of loyalty. Later, having listened to Mephibosheth’s plea, David decided to share the inheritance with both individuals and honored Mephibosheth for his past service. During a famine, when the Gibeonites requested seven of Saul’s relatives, David did not turn over Mephibosheth but upheld the promise made to Jonathan.
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What is astonishing is David's response to Absalom concerning Shimei. As Shimei hurled stones and insults at David, calling him a ‘man of blood and wickedness,’ Absalom, who held a position of authority, could not tolerate such slander and declared that he would kill Shimei. Yet David, showing remarkable humility, replied, “What have I to do with you, son of Zeruiah? Let him alone, for he curses because the Lord has told him to. Who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?'" This illustrates that David perceived Shimei’s actions as part of God’s discipline, acknowledging his own sins as the reason for his misfortunes and choosing not to retaliate to avoid provoking the one who chastised him.
David further expressed to Absalom and his servants, “Look, my own son, who came from my own body, seeks my life; and Shimei, the son of Gera, is cursing me. Let him do so, for the Lord has commanded him. Perhaps the Lord will see my affliction and will repay me with good for his cursing today.” Though Shimei belonged to Saul’s lineage and held a deep-seated animosity towards David, the king recognized that the situation was orchestrated by divine judgement. Despite being insulted and threatened with death, David resolved to endure the scorn in order to appease God’s anger.
It is important to note that neither the immoral act of Amnon against his sister nor Absalom’s fratricide and rebellion enjoyed God’s support; rather, the house of David was left vulnerable and troubled, akin to a ship adrift without a captain, besieged by evil forces.