24. Now Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came down from Jerusalem to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem.
25. “Why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth?” the king asked him.
26. Mephibosheth replied, “My lord the king, my servant Ziba deceived me. I told him, ‘Saddle my donkey so I can go with the king.’ For as you know I am crippled.
27. Ziba has slandered me by saying that I refused to come. But I know that my lord the king is like an angel of God, so do what you think is best.
28. All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?”
29. “You’ve said enough,” David replied. “I’ve decided that you and Ziba will divide your land equally between you.”
30. “Give him all of it,” Mephibosheth said. “I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king!”
31. Barzillai of Gilead had come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan.
32. He was very old—eighty years of age—and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.
33. “Come across with me and live in Jerusalem,” the king said to Barzillai. “I will take care of you there.”