2 Samuel 19:24-30

International Standard Version

David Meets Mephibosheth

²⁴ Meanwhile, Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth also went out to greet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. ²⁵ When he arrived from Jerusalem to greet the king, the king asked him, “So why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth?”

²⁶ He replied, “Well, your majesty, since your servant is lame, I told myself, ‘I’ll have my donkey saddled and I’ll ride on it so I can leave with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me ²⁷ by slandering your servant to your majesty.^[a] But your majesty the king is like an angel from God: so do what you think is best. ²⁸ Everyone from my grandfather’s household deserved nothing but death from your majesty the king, but you provided a place for your servant among those who have been eating from your table. So what right do I have to ask for anything more from the king?”

²⁹ In response, the king told him, “What’s the point of us talking anymore? My decision is that you and Ziba divide the fields.”

³⁰ But Mephibosheth told the king, “Let him take all of it, now that your majesty the king has returned safely to his palace.”