9. All the people among all the tribes of Israel were arguing: “The king delivered us from the grasp of our enemies, and he rescued us from the grasp of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.
10. But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king? ”
11. King David sent word to the priests, Zadok and Abiathar: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace? The talk of all Israel has reached the king at his house.
12. You are my brothers, my flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to restore the king? ’
13. And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me and do so severely if you don’t become commander of the army from now on instead of Joab! ’ ”
14. So he won over all the men of Judah, and they sent word to the king: “Come back, you and all your servants.”
15. Then the king returned. When he arrived at the Jordan, Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan.
16. Shimei son of Gera, a Benjaminite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17. There were 1,000 men from Benjamin with him. Ziba, an attendant from the house of Saul, with his 15 sons and 20 servants also rushed down to the Jordan ahead of the king.