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!”
29. The king said to him, “Don’t say anything more. I have decided that you and Ziba may divide the land.”
30. Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let Ziba take all the land. I’m just happy that my master the king has arrived in peace at his own house.”
31. Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with the king.
32. Now Barzillai was a very old man. He was 80 years old. He had taken care of the king when David was staying at Mahanaim. Barzillai could do this, because he was a very rich man.
33. David said to Barzillai, “Cross the river with me. Come with me to Jerusalem, and I will take care of you.”
34. But Barzillai answered the king, “Do you know how old I am? Do you think I can go with you to Jerusalem?
35. I am 80 years old! I am too old to taste what I eat or drink. I am too old to hear the voices of men and women singers. Why should you be bothered with me?