8. So the king went to the city gate. The news spread that the king was at the gate, so all the people came to see him, except for the Israelites who had run away to their homes.
9. The tribes of Israel began discussing what to do next. They said, “King David saved us from the Philistines and our other enemies. David left the country because he was running away from Absalom.
10. We anointed Absalom to be the king, but he was killed in battle. So we should bring David back to be the king again.”
11. King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. David said, “Speak to the leaders of Judah and tell them, ‘Why are you the last tribe to bring King David back home? See, all the Israelites are talking about bringing the king back home.
12. You are my brothers, my family, so why are you the last tribe to bring the king back?’
13. Also tell Amasa, ‘You are part of my family. I swear that I will make you captain of the army in Joab’s place.’”
14. David touched the hearts of the people of Judah, and they all agreed as one. The people of Judah sent a message to the king, saying, “You and all your officers come back!”
15. King David came to the Jordan River. The people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and take him across the Jordan River.
16. Shimei son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin, lived in Bahurim. Shimei rushed down to meet King David, with the rest of the people of Judah.
17. About 1000 people from the tribe of Benjamin came with Shimei. Ziba the servant from Saul’s family also came. Ziba brought his 15 sons and 20 servants with him. All these people hurried to the Jordan River to meet King David.
18. The people went across the Jordan River to help bring the king’s family back to Judah. They did whatever the king wanted. While the king was crossing the river, Shimei son of Gera came to meet him. He bowed down to the ground in front of the king.
19. Shimei said to the king, “My lord, don’t think about the wrong things I did. My lord and king, don’t remember the bad things I did when you left Jerusalem.
20. I know that I sinned. That is why today I am the first person from Joseph’s family to come down and meet you, my lord and king.”
21. Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Let’s kill him for all the bad things he said about the Lord’S chosen king.”
22. David said, “What should I do with you, sons of Zeruiah? Are you trying to cause me trouble? No one will be put to death in Israel today! Today I know that I am king over Israel.”
23. Then the king said to Shimei, “You will not die.” The king made a promise to Shimei that he himself would not kill Shimei.