24. Then Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, came down to meet the king. He had not washed his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes from the time the king left Jerusalem until he returned victorious.
25. When Mephibosheth arrived from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Mephibosheth, you didn't go with me. Why not?”
26. He answered, “As you know, Your Majesty, I am crippled. I told my servant to saddle my donkey so that I could ride along with you, but he betrayed me.
27. He lied about me to Your Majesty, but you are like God's angel, so do what seems right to you.
28. All my father's family deserved to be put to death by Your Majesty, but you gave me the right to eat at your table. I have no right to ask for any more favours from Your Majesty.”
29. The king answered, “You don't have to say anything more. I have decided that you and Ziba will share Saul's property.”
30. “Let Ziba have it all,” Mephibosheth answered. “It's enough for me that Your Majesty has come home safely.”
31. Barzillai, from Gilead, had also come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan.
32. Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He was very rich and had supplied the king with food while he was staying at Mahanaim.
33. The king said to him, “Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you.”
34. But Barzillai answered, “I haven't long to live; why should I go with Your Majesty to Jerusalem?
35. I am already eighty years old, and nothing gives me pleasure any more. I can't taste what I eat and drink, and I can't hear the voices of singers. I would only be a burden to Your Majesty.
36. I don't deserve such a great reward. So I will go just a little way with you beyond the Jordan.