(21) But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed? (22) And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? (23) Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
Abishai's heat and resentment would have led David into an error; therefore he calls him an adversary in his advice. But what a delightful thought ariseth out of this interview between David and his former violent opposer, Shimei, considered as it leads our minds to the contemplation of the supposed interview between JESUS, the Son of David, and the self-convinced and self-condemned sinners, who once opposed his government. Yes! dearest JESUS, may everyone of this description say, when thus brought down before thee by the HOLY GHOST, thy servant doth know that I have sinned, therefore am I come to seek thy mercy. And oh! how inconceivably sweet and precious, to hear the King's voice; saying, Shall there any poor sinner perish, that comes this day to seek the peace of Israel? Reader! remember also, our JESUS hath not only said his people shall not perish, but GOD our FATHER hath confirmed it with an oath. The King sware unto him.