But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel

 2 Samuel 19:18-30

Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord’s anointed.”

David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.

He said, “My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.’ But Ziba my servant betrayed me. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you wish. All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?”

The king said to him, “Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.”

Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.”

The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.” 

But Barzillai answered the king, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way? Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish.”

The king said, “Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.”

But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel.

Why?

Here is the beginning of the reason Israel and Judah were divided into two countries after King Solomon.

Barzillai is the smartest or a wise person, he may have his own free and joyful life.

Mepjibosjeth for his lamb he could not choose his way. But he keeps humble himself.

Shimei may keep his life for the mercy of David, but David still remembers his sin against the King.

Shimei, confessed his sins before David so he could escape from the dead, Mephibosheth came to welcome David's return, and he got half of his properties. Better than nothing.

How?

No matter what situation, doing our best with love and help and encouraging others, God will know what we have done. Confess our sins before the Lord is better than any others.