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2 Samuel 16:10

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 16:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because Jehovah hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because Jehovah hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
2 Samuel 16:10 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Begone, begone, thou man of blood, and base fellow:
8Jehovah hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and Jehovah hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son; and, behold, thou art [taken] in thine own mischief, because thou art a man of blood.
9Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
10And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because Jehovah hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
11And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more [may] this Benjamite now [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him.
12It may be that Jehovah will look on the wrong done unto me, and that Jehovah will requite me good for [his] cursing of me this day.
13So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hill-side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
← 2 Samuel 16:92 Samuel 16:11 →
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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 the king said, what have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? etc.] It seems as if Joab, the brother of Abishai, joined with him in this request to have leave to take off the head of Shimei; and though David had to do with them as his relations, his sister’s sons, and as they were generals in his army; yet in this case he would have nothing to do with them, would not take their advice, nor suffer them to take revenge on this man for his cursing him: or “what [is it] to me, [or] to you” f270? what signifies his cursing? it will neither hurt me nor you: so let him curse; go on cursing after this manner; do not restrain him from it, or attempt to stop his mouth: or, “for he will curse”…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What have I to do ... - See the marginal references compare Matthew 8:29; John 2:4, and a similar complaint about the sons of Zeruiah 2 Samuel 3:39. And for a like striking incident in the life of the Son of David, see Luke 9:52-56. 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
“What have I, &e. - 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. The Lord - God did not put any wickedness into Shimei's heart, for he had of himself an heart full of malignity against David; but only left him to his own wickedness; and brought David into so distressed a condition, that he might seem a proper object of his scorn. 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, Kg1 17:4, and to send forth his word to senseless creatures, Psa 147:15, Psa 147:18. Who shall reproach God's…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:10 If the Lord has told him to curse me: David felt it might have been punishment for past sins. • David was—contrary to Shimei’s charges—reducing the violence that surrounded him.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“What have: Sa2 3:39, Sa2 19:22; Kg1 2:5; Mat 16:23; Luk 9:54-56; Pe1 2:23 so let him: Gen 50:20; Kg1 22:21-23; Kg2 18:25; Lam 3:38, Lam 3:39; Joh 18:11 Who shall: Job 9:12; Ecc 8:4; Dan 4:35; Rom 9:20 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 16:11”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 16 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification