But the king said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has bidden him to curse David, who then can say, 'Why have you done so?' — David's response invokes *sheol* (what have I to do with you?)—a distance and separation. He reframes Shimei's cursing as possibly commanded by the LORD (*ki* *Adonai* *tzivahu*—if the LORD has bidden him). This interpretation suggests that David sees in Shimei a kind of prophet, an instrument of divine rebuke. David's theology has shifted from military confidence to acceptance of judgment.

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