It is clear from this account that Shimei had ceased his defiant conduct. The first thing he did was to fall prostrate before the king because he knew that he was not worthy of the king’s mercy. Next he freely confessed his sins and did not try to blame anyone else for his wickedness. Instead he humbly asked David’s forgiveness: ‘May my lord not hold me guilty.’ Next he came straight to the point, and talked about the thing which was foremost on his mind and lay heavily upon his conscience. He pleaded