17. a thousand others from Benjamin had come with him.Ziba, the chief servant of Saul's family, also came to the River Jordan. He and his fifteen sons and twenty servants waded across to meet David.
18. Then they brought David's family and servants back across the river, and they did everything he wanted them to do.Shimei crossed the River Jordan and bowed down in front of David.
19. He said, “Your Majesty, I beg you not to punish me! Please, forget what I did when you were leaving Jerusalem. Don't even think about it.
20. I know I was wrong. That's why I wanted to be the first one from the northern tribes to meet you.”
21. But Abishai shouted, “You should be killed for cursing the Lord's chosen king!”
22. David said, “Abishai, whatever will I do with you and your brother Joab? Is it your job to tell me who has done wrong? I've been made king of all Israel today, and no one will be put to death!”
23. Then David promised Shimei that he would not be killed.
24. Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, also came to meet David. He had missed David so much that he had not taken a bath or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes the whole time David was gone.
25. After they had gone back to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth came to see David, who asked him, “Why didn't you go with me?”
26. He answered, “Your Majesty, you know I can't walk. I told my servant to saddle a donkey for me so I could go with you. But my servant left without me, and
27. then he lied about me. You're as wise as an angel of God, so do what you think is right.
28. After all, you could have killed my whole family and me. But instead, you let me eat at your own table. Your Majesty, what more could I ask?”
29. David answered, “You've said enough! I've decided to divide the property between you and Ziba.”
30. Mephibosheth replied, “He can have it all! I'm just glad you've come home safely.”
31. Barzillai came from Rogelim in Gilead to meet David at the River Jordan and go across with him.
32. Barzillai was eighty years old. He was very rich and had sent food to David in Mahanaim.