And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’
And behold thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim,.... Of whom, and of his native place; see Gill on Sa2 16:5; he was now at Jerusalem, and so with Solomon, or near at hand; and was on his side, and of his party; see Kg1 1:8; but not to be trusted, or looked upon as a real friend: which...
thou hast with thee Shimei--Though David promised him a pardon, which being enforced by the presence of a thousand followers, could not have been well refused, he warned his son against Shimei as a turbulent and dangerous character. It must not be supposed that in these dying instructions David was evincing a fierce, vindictive spirit.
Thou hast with thee Shimei - See on Sa2 16:5 (note), etc., and the notes on Sa2 19:18-23 (note).