18 They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king 19 and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem.(A) May the king put it out of his mind. 20 For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

21 Then Abishai(B) son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed(C) the Lord’s anointed.”(D)

22 David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?(E) What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today?(F) Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” 23 So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.(G)

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