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.’
27. So Ziba has slandered your servant to my master and king, but my master and king is a messenger of God. So do whatever seems best to you.
28. Even though all the members of my grandfather’s family were nothing short of demonic toward my master and king, you still put your servant with those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to beg for still more from the king?"
29. "You don’t need to talk any more about this," the king said to him. "I order you and Ziba to divide the property."
30. Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take all of it, since my master and king has come home safely."