17. One thousand people from Benjamin were with him. And Ziba, the servant of Saul’s family, rushed to the Jordan River across from the king. Ziba brought his 15 sons and 20 servants.
18. They crossed the river to bring over the king’s family and to do anything else the king wanted.Shimei, Gera’s son, bowed down in front of the king as he was going to cross the Jordan River.
19. He pleaded with the king, “Don’t remember the crime I committed the day you left Jerusalem. Don’t hold it against me or even think about it, Your Majesty.
20. I know I’ve sinned. Today I’ve come as the first of all the house of Joseph to meet you.”
21. But Abishai, Zeruiah’s son, replied, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for cursing the Lord’s anointed king?”
22. David responded, “Are you sure we’re from the same family, sons of Zeruiah? You are my enemies today. Should anyone in Israel be killed today? Don’t I know that I’m king of Israel again?”
23. The king promised Shimei, “You won’t die,” and the king swore to it.
24. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went to meet the king. He had not tended to his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until he came home safely.
25. When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”
26. He answered, “My servant deceived me, Your Majesty. Since I am disabled, I said, ‘Saddle the donkey for me, and I’ll ride on it and go with the king.’
27. He told you lies about me, Your Majesty. However, you are like God’s Messenger. Do what you think is right.
28. You could have killed anyone in my entire family, Your Majesty. Instead, you’ve seated me with those who eat at your table. So I no longer have the right to complain to the king.”
29. The king asked him, “Why do you keep talking about it? I’ve said that you and Ziba should divide the land.”
30. “Let him take it all,” Mephibosheth told the king. “It’s enough for me that you’ve come home safely.”
31. Barzillai, the man from Gilead, came from Rogelim with the king to the Jordan River to send him on his way.
32. Barzillai was an elderly man, 80 years old. Because he was a very rich man, he had provided the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.