written by Jerry Runser

In today's reading, Solomon deals with Shimei. As a result of bitter curses that Shimei called down on David, David's deathbed instruction to Solomon was to deal with him in wisdom but to "bring his gray head down to the grave in blood". Solomon gave Shimei a chance, but ordered him to stay in Jerusalem or he would die. Shimei agrees ("What you say is good!") Shimei disobeyed, and paid the consequence.

I think there was a lot of wisdom in Solomon's course of action (and this was before God granted his wish for extreme wisdom). He showed mercy by giving Shimei a chance. He let Shimei condemn himself. He also demonstrated to his kingdom that disobedience would not be tolerated. I bet a lot of people made sure that they kept their promises to Solomon after hearing this story. It seems so simple; just keep the promise and you get to live in peace. Just as "simple" as it is, we find it difficult to live up to our promises to God. I think that often when we break our promises or a commandment it is in a situation like Shimei's little trip outside of Jerusalem. He probably rationalized ("Well I'm just scooting across the border to get my slaves back".) I think that rationalizing and compromising are the easiest ways to slip out of obedience or break a promise. When we sin, we often don't think in terms of a binary right and wrong, but rather start with something that we decide isn't "really" bad. Either, we talk ourselves into it, or there is a little assistance from the Devil as in the case Adam and Eve. As I think about how to avoid the tendency to get on paths that are slippery slopes, I realize I will never be able to do it on my own, with my own thinking and discipline. The human nature will always be there. This is probably why the Bible frequently instructs us to pray constantly and to study His Word. It is hard to fool yourself when you are in constant touch with God. I find it helpful to check in with God often and ask "How am I doing? Keep me on the right path". It is interesting that reflecting on this passage on Solomon and Shemei got me focused on our tendency to slip away from God's will. It was amazingly reinforced in a "Bible verse of the day" I read today: Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting".

A fellow traveler,
Jerry