21 Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?” 22 But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as 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?” 23 And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.
24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 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. 28 For all my father’s house were but men 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 cry to the king?” 29 And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”
Comment: In a day when vengeance might have been expected, the King says ‘Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day?’ And thus, against the urging of Abishai, Shimei is forgiven and restored. Mephibosheth tells the story of Ziba, the overseer of his property. David accepts Mephibosheth back into his court but instead of punishing Ziba, David takes back half of what he had granted Ziba when he had come and lied trying to get into David’s good books. In some ways Ziba deserved death but I guess that David couldn’t go back on his word. Thus Ziba isn’t killed but loses half of what was gifted to him. Mephibosheth is so grateful for David’s listening to him and restoring him that he doesn’t care about his restored property! His family, however, were probably very thankful for it, and I’d be surprised if they had further dealings with Ziba!!
Prayer: Thank You for Your Mercy and Grace, Father God.
As I read it! 