11. The news of what the Israelites were saying reached King David. So he sent the priests Zadok and Abiathar to ask the leaders of Judah, “Why should you be the last to help 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 me back?”
13. David also told them to say to Amasa, “You are my relative. From now on I am putting you in charge of the army in place of Joab. May God strike me dead if I don't!”
14. David's words won the complete loyalty of all the men of Judah, and they sent him word to return with all his officials.