1 Kings 2:39

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 2:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants are in Gath.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants are in Gath.
1 Kings 2:39 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants are in Gath.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass, at the end of three years, etc.] He had dwelt at Jerusalem: that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maachah king of Gath; and they told Shimei, saying, behold, thy servant [be] in Gath; he being a churlish, ill-natured man, always cursing or beating them, or imposing too hard service upon them, or not allowing them the necessaries of life; wherefore they broke away from him, and fled to Gath, and put themselves under the protection of the king of that place, who was now at peace with Israel, and a tributary to them: if this Achish was the same that was David’s friend, who sheltered him when persecuted by, Saul, he must be an old man; for that was…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Achish - Possibly the Achish of the marginal reference, but more probably the grandson of the former Achish. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Achish - A king, but subject and tributary, to Solomon. Permitted to enjoy the title and honour of a king, but not the full power; whence it was, that Achish could not keep these servants though they had fled to him for protection; but suffered Shimei to take them away from his royal city. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:40”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:39-46 Shimei’s journey to Gath, ostensibly to recover his runaway slaves, violated his agreement. Technically, he did not cross the Kidron Valley in going to Gath, but the penalty was understood by both parties to apply to Shimei’s going anywhere else. Because Shimei violated his oath to the Lord (2:43) and because of his past hostilities toward David (2 Sam 16:5-13; 19:16-23), Solomon instructed Benaiah to execute him.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“am 2993, bc 1011, An, Ex, Is, 480 Achish: Sa1 21:10, Sa1 27:2, Sa1 27:3 3 Kings (1 Kings) 2:40”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification