2. The king said to Ziba, “What’s all this?”“The donkeys,” said Ziba, “are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and fruit are for the servants to eat, and the wine is for drinking, especially for those overcome by fatigue in the wilderness.”
3. The king said, “And where is your master’s grandson?”“He stayed in Jerusalem,” said Ziba. “He said, ‘This is the day Israel is going to restore my grandfather’s kingdom to me.’”
4. “Everything that belonged to Mephibosheth,” said the king, “is now yours.”Ziba said, “How can I ever thank you? I’ll be forever in your debt, my master and king; may you always look on me with such kindness!”
9. Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “This mangy dog can’t insult my master the king this way—let me go over and cut off his head!”
10. But the king said, “Why are you sons of Zeruiah always interfering and getting in the way? If he’s cursing, it’s because God told him, ‘Curse David.’ So who dares raise questions?”
13. David and his men went on down the road, while Shimei followed along on the ridge of the hill alongside, cursing, throwing stones down on them, and kicking up dirt.
14. By the time they reached the Jordan River, David and all the men of the company were exhausted. There they rested and were revived.
15. By this time Absalom and all his men were in Jerusalem.And Ahithophel was with them.
16. Soon after, Hushai the Arkite, David’s friend, came and greeted Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this the way you show devotion to your good friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend David?”