18. The people went across the Jordan River to help bring the king’s family back to Judah. They did whatever the king wanted. While the king was crossing the river, Shimei son of Gera came to meet him. He bowed down to the ground in front of the king.
19. Shimei said to the king, “My lord, don’t think about the wrong things I did. My lord and king, don’t remember the bad things I did when you left Jerusalem.
20. I know that I sinned. That is why today I am the first person from Joseph’s family to come down and meet you, my lord and king.”
21. Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Let’s kill him for all the bad things he said about the Lord’S chosen king.”
22. David said, “What should I do with you, sons of Zeruiah? Are you trying to cause me trouble? No one will be put to death in Israel today! Today I know that I am king over Israel.”
23. Then the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” The king made a promise to Shimei that he himself would not kill Shimei.
24. Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth, came down to meet King David. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem.
25. When he met the king at Jerusalem, the king said, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me when I ran away from Jerusalem?”
26. Mephibosheth answered, “My lord and king, my servant tricked me. I am crippled so I said to my servant, Ziba, ‘Go saddle a donkey for me so that I can go with the king.’
27. But my servant tricked me and said bad things about me. My lord and king, you are like an angel from God. Do whatever you think is right.
28. You could have killed all my grandfather’s family, but you did not do that. Instead, you included me among the people who eat at your own table. So I don’t have a right to complain to the king about anything.”
29. The king said to Mephibosheth, “Don’t say anything more about your problems. This is what I have decided: You and Ziba will divide the land.”
30. Mephibosheth said to the king, “My lord and king, it is enough that you have come home in peace. Let Ziba have the land.”