2 Samuel 19:24-30
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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.(A) 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”(B) 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘Saddle a donkey for me[a] so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame.(C) 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.(D) 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?”(E) 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.”
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- 19.26 Gk Syr Vg: Heb said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself
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.”
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