15. These Gadites were army commanders, the lesser over hundreds and the greater over thousands.
16. It was they who crossed over the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing both its banks, and chased away all who were in the valleys to the east and to the west.
17. Some Benjaminites and Judahites also came to David at the stronghold.
18. David went out to meet them and addressed them in these words: “If you come peacefully, to help me, I am of a mind to have you join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies though my hands have done no wrong, may the God of our ancestors see and punish you.”
19. Then a spirit clothed Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he answered David:“We are yours, O David,we are with you, son of Jesse.Peace, peace to you,and peace to him who helps you;may your God be your helper!”So David received them and placed them among the leaders of his troops.