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.”
31. Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with King David and send him on his way home.
32. Barzillai was a very old man, 80 years old. He had given the king food and other things when David was staying at Mahanaim. Barzillai could do this because he was a very rich man.
33. David said to Barzillai, “Come across the river with me. I will take care of you if you will live in Jerusalem with me.”
34. But Barzillai said to the king, “Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?
35. I am 80 years old! I am too old to tell what is bad or good. I cannot taste what I eat or drink or hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you want to be bothered with me?
36. I don’t need any of the things that you want to give me. I will cross the Jordan River with you.
37. Then please let me go back so that I can die in my own town and be buried in the grave of my father and mother. But here is Kimham; take him back with you as a servant, my lord and king. Do whatever you want with him.”
38. The king answered, “Kimham will go back with me. I will be kind to him for you. I will do anything for you.”
39. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Barzillai went back home, and the king and all the people went across the river.