King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 2:39 Mean?

“And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.”

1 Kings 2:39 · KJV

Context

37

For it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

38

And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

39

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.

40

And Shimei arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants: and Shimei went, and brought his servants from Gath.

41

And it was told Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of david's death and solomon's consolidation of power, within the book's focus on succession narrative and establishment of Solomon's reign.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This passage describes events around 970 BCE during the transition from David to Solomon.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of clear succession planning and communication in leadership transitions?
  2. What does Solomon's consolidation of power reveal about the relationship between justice, mercy, and political necessity?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִקֵּץ֙2 of 20

“And it came to pass at the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

שָׁלֹ֣שׁ3 of 20

“of three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שָׁנִ֔ים4 of 20

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיִּבְרְח֤וּ5 of 20

“ran away”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

שְׁנֵֽי6 of 20

“that two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ7 of 20

“Behold thy servants”

H5650

a servant

לְשִׁמְעִי֙8 of 20

“Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

אֶל9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָכִ֥ישׁ10 of 20

“unto Achish”

H397

akish, a philistine king

בֶּֽן11 of 20

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַעֲכָ֖ה12 of 20

“of Maachah”

H4601

maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman

מֶ֣לֶךְ13 of 20

“king”

H4428

a king

בְּגַֽת׃14 of 20

“be in Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ15 of 20

“And they told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְשִׁמְעִי֙16 of 20

“Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

לֵאמֹ֔ר17 of 20

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֥ה18 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ19 of 20

“Behold thy servants”

H5650

a servant

בְּגַֽת׃20 of 20

“be in Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 2:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 2:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 21:101 Samuel 27:2-3

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