16 ⁵ As King David approached Bahurim, a man of Saul's family, whose name was Shimei son of Gera, came out, cursing as he came. 16 ⁶ He showered stones right and left on David and on all the king's servants and on everyone, soldiers and people alike. 16 ⁷ This is what Shimei said as he cursed him: 'Get out, get out, you scoundrel! you man of blood! 16 ⁸ The LORD has taken vengeance on you for the blood of the house of Saul whose throne you stole, and he has given the kingdom to your son Absalom. You murderer, see how your crimes have overtaken you!'

16 ⁹ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, 'Why let this dead dog curse your majesty? I will go across and knock off his head.' 16 ¹⁰ But the king said, 'What has this to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses and if the LORD has told him to curse David, who can question it?' 16 ¹¹ David said to Abishai and to all his servants, 'If my son, my own son, is out to kill me, who can wonder at this Benjamite? Let him be, let him curse; for the LORD has told him to do it. 16 ¹² But perhaps the LORD will mark my sufferings and bestow a blessing on me in place of the curse laid on me this day.' 16 ¹³ David and his men continued on their way, and Shimei moved along the ridge of the hill parallel to David's path, cursing as he went and hurling stones across the valley at him and kicking up the dust. 16 ¹⁴ When the king and all the people with him reached the Jordan, they were worn out and they refreshed themselves there.