Don't Cross That Line
1 Kings 2:36-46 (KJV)* In a world that constantly erases lines—moral lines, doctrinal lines, personal conviction lines, and even the sacred boundary between holy and profane—God’s Word still draws clear, immovable lines. One of the most sobering examples is found in the early days of King Solomon’s reign. The passage before us is not a dusty relic of ancient history; it is the living, breathing Word of God that speaks directly to every believer who has ever been tempted to test the limits of divine mercy. The Backstory: Why a Line Was Necessary Before we ever reach 1 Kings 2:36, we must understand why Shimei was even in this position. Shimei was a Benjamite from Bahurim, a man connected to the fallen house of Saul. During Absalom’s rebellion, when David was fleeing Jerusalem in humiliation, Shimei came out cursing David “continually” and throwing stones at the king and his mighty men (2 Samuel 16:5-8). He called David a “man of Belial” and declared that the Lord was finally repaying hi...