5 When King David got to Bahurim, wow, a man from Sha’ul’s (Saul) extended family came out. He was Gera’s son Shimei, and he came out and cursed David. 6 Then he threw stones at David and all his servants, and all the people and warriors on both sides of the king. 7 “Go away, go away, you worthless man of much bloodshed!” Shimei yelled. 8 “Now Yahweh’s returning to you all the blood of Sha’ul’s household. You took over as king in his place, but Yahweh’s giving the kingdom into the hand of your son Avshalom (Absalom). Look at you, you’re evil because you’re a man of much bloodshed.”

9 The Tseruyah’s son Avishay asked the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my master the king? Please, let me cross over and lop off his head.”

10 “What does it matter to me, or to you two sons of Tseruyah?” the king replied. “He’s cursing because Yahweh told him to curse me, so who has any right to ask him why he’s saying it?” 11 Then David told Avishay and all his servants, “Look, my own biological son is trying to kill me. Now on top of that, this Benyamite. Leave him and let him curse, because Yahweh told him to. 12 Perhaps Yahweh will see my suffering and return good on me, instead of this cursing today.” 13 As David and his men continued along the road, Shimei walked along the hillside beside him—walking and cursing, and throwing stones and dirt at him. 14 Later, the king and all the people with him arrived,[fn] and feeling very tired, they rested.