Shimei, who had previously insulted and cursed David, hurries down from Benjamin to meet the returning king at the Jordan River. The Hebrew verb for hurry, maher, means to act with urgency or anxiety. Shimei’s rush is fueled by fear and the hope for forgiveness, knowing he’s at the mercy of someone he once wronged.

This moment pushes back against the belief that apologies are pointless or that people never change. Shimei’s bold move to face David is risky—he’s not guaranteed a welcome, but he’s willing to try. It shows that even those who’ve made serious mistakes can seek a new start, if they’re willing to own up to their actions.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth trying to make things right after hurting someone, this verse says yes. The first step is often the hardest, but facing the person you’ve wronged can open the door to healing, even when you’re unsure how they’ll respond.