39. After three years, two of Shimei’s servants fled to the king of Gath, Achish, Maacah’s son. Shimei was informed, "Your servants are now in Gath."
40. Shimei saddled his donkey and went to Achish in Gath to look for his servants. Shimei then brought his servants back from Gath.
41. Solomon was told that Shimei had left Jerusalem for Gath and then returned.
42. The king sent for Shimei and asked him, "Didn’t I make you swear a solemn pledge by the Lord? And didn’t I swear to you, ‘If you try to leave and go anywhere, be advised that on that very day you will most certainly die’? You said to me, ‘This is a good idea. I agree to it.’
43. Why didn’t you keep your solemn promise to the Lord and the command that I gave you?"
44. The king said further, "You know quite well all the evil that you did to my father David. May the Lord return your evil on your own head.
45. However, may King Solomon be blessed and David’s throne be secure before the Lord forever."
46. Then the king commanded Benaiah, Jehoiada’s son, who went and attacked Shimei, and he died.In these ways royal power was handed over to Solomon.