18. to do the work of ferrying over the king’s household and to do whatever pleased him.Gera’s son Shimei fell down before the king when he crossed the Jordan.
19. He said to the king, "May my master not hold me guilty or remember your servant’s wrongdoing that day my master the king left Jerusalem. Please forget about it, Your Majesty,
20. because your servant knows that I have sinned. But look, I am the first person from the entire family of Joseph to come down today and meet my master the king."
21. Zeruiah’s son Abishai responded, "Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for that—for cursing the Lord’s anointed?"
22. But David said, "My problems aren’t yours, you sons of Zeruiah. Why are you becoming my enemy today? Should anyone in Israel be put to death today? Don’t I know that today I am again king over Israel?"
23. Then the king told Shimei, "You will not die." And the king swore this to him.
24. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also came down to meet the king. He hadn’t taken care of his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.
25. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, "Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me?"
26. "My master and king," Mephibosheth answered, "my servant abandoned me! Because your servant is lame, I asked my servant, ‘Saddle a donkey for me so I can ride and go to the king.’