2 Samuel 16:10 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

What have I to do with you? to wit, in this matter I ask not your advice, nor will I follow it; nor do I desire you should at all concern yourselves in it, but wholly leave it to me, to do what I think fit. Because the Lord hath said unto him; not that God commanded it by his word, for that severely forbids it, Exodus 22:28; or moved him to it by his Spirit, for neither was that necessary nor possible, because God tempteth no man, James 1:13; but that the secret providence of God did order and overrule him in it. God did not put any wickedness into Shimei's heart, for he had of himself a heart full of malignity and venom against David; but only left him to his own wickedness; took away that common prudence which would have kept him from so foolish and dangerous an action; directed his malice that it should be exercised against David, rather than another man, as when God gives up one traveller into the hands of a robber rather than another; inclined him to be at home, and then to come out of his doors at that time when David passed by him; and brought David into so distressed a condition, that he might seem a proper object of his scorn and contempt. And this is ground enough for this expression, the Lord said, not by the word of his precept, but by the word of his providence, in respect whereof he is said to command the ravens, 1 Kings 17:4, and to send forth his word and commandment to senseless creatures, Psalms 147:15,18. Who shall then say? not unto Shimei, for it was justly said so to him afterwards, 1 Kings 2:9, but unto the Lord; who shall reproach God's providence for permitting this? Or, who shall by words or actions restrain him from executing God's just judgment against me?