Shimei Curses David

⁵ As King David approached Bahurim,^(A) a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei^(B) son of Gera, and he cursed^(C) as he came out. ⁶ He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. ⁷ As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! ⁸ The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned.^(D) The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”^(E)

⁹ Then Abishai^(F) son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog^(G) curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”^(H)

¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?^(I) If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”^(J)

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son,^(K) my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.^{(L) 12} It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery^(M) and restore to me his covenant blessing^(N) instead of his curse today.^(O)”

¹³ So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.

¹⁶ Also, anoint^(A) Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha^(B) son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah^(C) to succeed you as prophet. ¹⁷ Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael,^(D) and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.^{(E) 18} Yet I reserve^(F) seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed^(G) him.”

The Call of Elisha

¹⁹ So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak^(H) around him. ²⁰ Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,”^(I) he said, “and then I will come with you.”

“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”

²¹ So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen^(J) and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.^(K)