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.”