10. However, Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, has died in battle. Why is no one talking about bringing back the king?”
11. What all Israel was saying reached the king at his house. So King David sent ⌊this message⌋ to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: “Ask the leaders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last ⌊tribe⌋ to bring the king back to his palace?
12. You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. Why should you be the last to bring back the king?’
13. And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God strike me dead unless you are given Joab’s place to serve me always as the commander of the army.’ ”
14. All the people of Judah were in total agreement. So they sent the king this message: “Come back with all your servants.”
15. The king came back to the Jordan River, and the people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring him across the Jordan River.
16. Shimei, Gera’s son from the tribe of Benjamin and the town of Bahurim, hurried down with the people of Judah to meet King David.
17. One thousand people from Benjamin were with him. And Ziba, the servant of Saul’s family, rushed to the Jordan River across from the king. Ziba brought his 15 sons and 20 servants.