2 Samuel 19:16-31
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 Shimei son of Gera, a Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried to come down with the people of Judah to meet King David;(A) 17 with him were a thousand people from Benjamin. And Ziba, the servant of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants, rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king(B) 18 while the crossing was taking place,[a] to bring over the king’s household and to do his pleasure.
David’s Mercy to Shimei
Shimei son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan 19 and said to the king, “May my lord not hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem; may the king not bear it in mind.(C) 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore, see, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”(D) 21 Abishai son of Zeruiah answered, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”(E) 22 But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should today become an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?”(F) 23 The king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.(G)
David and Mephibosheth Meet
24 Mephibosheth grandson of Saul came down to meet the king; he had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he came back in safety.(H) 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”(I) 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘Saddle a donkey for me[b] so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame.(J) 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you.(K) 28 For all my father’s house were doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to appeal to the king?”(L) 29 The king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take it all, since my lord the king has arrived home safely.”
David’s Kindness to Barzillai
31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim; he went on with the king to the Jordan to escort him over the Jordan.(M)
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