1. There happened to be in Gilgal a worthless character named Sheba son of Bikri, of the tribe of Benjamin. He blew the trumpet and called out, “Down with David! We won't follow him! Men of Israel, let's go home!”
2. So the Israelites deserted David and went with Sheba, but the men of Judah remained loyal and followed David from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
3. When David arrived at his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace, and put them under guard. He provided for their needs, but did not have intercourse with them. They were kept confined for the rest of their lives, living like widows.
4. The king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together and be back here with them by the day after tomorrow.”
5. Amasa went to call them, but he did not get back by the time the king had set.
6. So the king said to Abishai, “Sheba will give us more trouble than Absalom. Take my men and go after him, or else he may occupy some fortified towns and escape from us.”
7. So Joab's men, the royal bodyguard, and all the other soldiers left Jerusalem with Abishai to go after Sheba.
8. When they reached the large rock at Gibeon, Amasa met them. Joab was dressed for battle, with a sword in its sheath fastened to his belt. As he came forward, the sword fell out.
9. Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my friend?” and took hold of his beard with his right-hand in order to kiss him.
10. Amasa was not on guard against the sword that Joab was holding in his other hand, and Joab stabbed him in the belly, and his entrails spilt out on the ground. He died immediately, and Joab did not have to strike again.Then Joab and his brother Abishai went on after Sheba.