Forsaken and opposed by those closest to him, including his traitorous son Absalom, King David sought refuge in the wilderness. But evil pursued him. David was deceived by a trusted servant and then cursed by Shimei, a relative of Saul. As Alistair Begg explains, David understood Shimei's cursing in light of Nathan's prophecy that God would discipline David for his sin-though He would also never remove His steadfast love and mercy. God does not offer grace begrudgingly. Rather, it is freely given to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.