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.
37. Then let me go back home and die near my parents' grave. Here is my son Chimham, who will serve you; take him with you, Your Majesty, and do for him as you think best.”
38. The king answered, “I will take him with me and do for him whatever you want. And I will do for you anything you ask.”
39. Then David and all his men crossed the Jordan. He kissed Barzillai and gave him his blessing, and Barzillai went back home.
40. When the king had crossed, escorted by all the people of Judah and half the people of Israel, he went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went with him.
41. Then all the Israelites went to the king and said to him, “Your Majesty, why did our brothers, the men of Judah, think they had the right to take you away and escort you, your family, and your men across the Jordan?”
42. The men of Judah answered, “We did it because the king is one of us. So why should this make you angry? He hasn't paid for our food nor has he given us anything.”