23. Then the king promised Shimei, “You won’t die.”
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 from the time the king had left Jerusalem until he returned safely.
25. When 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 those 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 will divide the land.”
30. Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let Ziba take all the land now that my master the king has arrived safely home.”
31. Barzillai of Gilead came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan River with the king.
32. Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years old. He had taken care of the king when David was staying at Mahanaim, because Barzillai 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 eighty 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?