2 Samuel 16:11-17 - My son is trying to kill me

16:11,12

We see something of the emotional turmoil within David, and the humbling effect of God’s judgement upon him. His own son is trying to kill him, and he knows that all this stems from his action with Bathsheba and Uriah. So David does consider himself in any position to be judging Shimei. He sees it as part of God’s judgement upon himself. He is also trusting to God’s mercy, and hoping for restoration to “His covenant blessing”.

16:13,14

So David and his not so merry men continue on their journey, with Shimei cheerfully cursing and throwing stones at them. Eventually they reach their destination, tired and exhausted.

16:15-17

While David is on his travels, Absalom and Ahithophel arrive in Jerusalem. David’s “plant”, Hushai, also arrives in Jerusalem, and declares his allegiance to the new king. Absalom initially is not impressed by Hushai, possibly suspicious of him as well, questioning why he has abandoned David.