And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies. And he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines. And now he is fled out of the land for Absalom. But Absalom whom we anointed over us is dead in battle. Now therefore why are ye so still, that ye bring not the king again?" And king David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, "Speak unto the elders of Judah and say, 'Why should ye be the last that should bring again the king to his house, seeing that such tidings is come from all Israel unto the king, even to his house? read more.
Ye are my brethren, my bones and my flesh: wherefore then should ye be the last that should come to bring the king home again?' And say to Amasa, 'Art thou not my bone and my flesh? And God do so to me and so thereto: except thou be captain of the host to me forever in the room of Joab.'" And he bowed the hearts of all the men of Judah, as a man would bow the heart of one man: so that they sent word to the king, that he should return with all his servants. And the king returned and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal for to go against the king to convey him over Jordan.