20. I know I've sinned. But today I've come down here to welcome you. I'm the first member of Joseph's whole family to do it."
21. Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for what he did? He called down curses on you. And you are the Lord's anointed king."
22. But David replied, "You and Joab are sons of Zeruiah. What do you and I have in common? Abishai, you have now become my enemy! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don't I know that today I am king over Israel again?"
23. So the king took an oath and made a promise to Shimei. He said to him, "You aren't going to be put to death."
24. Mephibosheth was Saul's grandson. He had also gone down to welcome the king back. He had not taken care of his feet. He hadn't trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes. He hadn't done any of those things from the day the king left Jerusalem until the day he returned safely.
25. He came from Jerusalem to welcome the king. The king asked him, "Mephibosheth, why didn't you go with me?"
26. He said, "You are my king and master. I'm disabled. So I thought, 'I'll have a saddle put on my donkey. I'll ride on it. Then I can go with the king.' But my servant Ziba turned against me.
27. He has told you lies about me. King David, you are like an angel of God. So do what pleases you.
28. You should have put all of the members of my grandfather's family to death, including me. Instead, you always provided what I needed. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to you?"