2 Samuel 19:25

25 He came from Jerusalem to welcome the king. The king asked him, "Mephibosheth, why didn't you go with me?"

2 Samuel 19:25 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:25

And it came to pass, when he came to Jerusalem to meet the
king
Perhaps from the place where his estate was; or, as the Arabic version, when he came from Jerusalem, from whence he went a little way to meet the king, as he was coming thither; for it was said he abode at Jerusalem, ( 2 Samuel 16:3 ) ;

that the king said unto him, wherefore wentest not thou with me,
Mephibosheth?
when he departed from Jerusalem, being obliged to flee from thence because of Absalom; it is very probable David would never have asked him this question, knowing his lameness, had it not been for the suggestion of Ziba his servant, that he stayed at Jerusalem, hoping that the kingdom of his father would be restored to him, ( 2 Samuel 16:3 ) .

2 Samuel 19:25 In-Context

23 So the king took an oath and made a promise to Shimei. He said to him, "You aren't going to be put to death."

24 Mephibosheth was Saul's grandson. He had also gone down to welcome the king back. He had not taken care of his feet. He hadn't trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes. He hadn't done any of those things from the day the king left Jerusalem until the day he returned safely.

25 He came from Jerusalem to welcome the king. The king asked him, "Mephibosheth, why didn't you go with me?"

26 He said, "You are my king and master. I'm disabled. So I thought, 'I'll have a saddle put on my donkey. I'll ride on it. Then I can go with the king.' But my servant Ziba turned against me.

27 He has told you lies about me. King David, you are like an angel of God. So do what pleases you.