14. David touched the hearts of all the people of Judah. They agreed as if they were one man. They sent a message to the king. They said, “Return with all your men.”
15. Then the king returned as far as the Jordan River. The men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him. They wanted to bring the king across the Jordan River.
16. Shimei son of Gera was a Benjaminite. He lived in Bahurim. He hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17. With Shimei came 1,000 Benjaminites. Ziba, the servant from Saul’s family, also came. He brought his 15 sons and 20 servants with him. They all hurried to the Jordan River to meet the king.
18. The people went across the Jordan River to help bring the king’s family back to Judah. They did whatever the king wanted. As the king was about to cross the river, Shimei son of Gera came to him. Shimei bowed facedown on the ground in front of the king.
19. He said to the king, “My master, don’t hold me guilty. Don’t remember the wrong things I did when you left Jerusalem! Don’t hold it against me.
20. I know I have sinned. That is why I am the first person from Joseph’s family to come down and meet you today, my master and king!”
21. But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die. He cursed you, the Lord’s appointed king!”
22. David said, “This does not concern you, sons of Zeruiah! Today you’re against me! No one will be put to death in Israel today. Today I know I am king over Israel!”
23. Then the king said to Shimei, “You won’t die.” The king made this promise to Shimei.
24. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet King David. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, cut his beard or washed his clothes while David was gone. He had not done this from the time the king had left Jerusalem until he returned safely.
25. Mephibosheth came from Jerusalem to meet the king. The king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me?”
26. He answered, “My master, my servant Ziba tricked me! I said to Ziba, ‘I am crippled. So saddle a donkey. Then I will ride it so I can go with the king.’
27. But he lied about me to you. You, my master and king, are like an angel from God. Do what you think is good.
28. You could have killed all my grandfather’s family. Instead, you put me with the people who eat at your own table. So I don’t have a right to ask anything more from the king!”