2 Samuel 19:24-30

Expanded Bible

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 [in peace; ^Cdemonstrating his concern for David’s welfare]. 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 [^CZiba] tricked me! I am crippled, so ·I [^Lyour servant] said to ·Ziba [^Lhim], ‘Saddle a donkey. Then I will ride it so I can go with the king.’ ²⁷ But he ·lied about [slandered] ·me [^Lyour servant] to you [16:1–4]. You, my master and king, are like an angel from God. Do what ·you think is good [^Lis right in your eyes]. ²⁸ ·You could have killed all my grandfather’s family [^LMy father’s household were doomed to death/as good as dead before my lord the king]. ·Instead [Yet], you put ·me [^Lyour servant] 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 [everything] now that my master the king has arrived safely home.”