All the people in all the tribes of Israel argued with one another. They said: The king rescued us from our enemies and saved us from the Philistines. Now he has fled from Absalom and left the country. Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, has died in battle. Why is no one talking about reinstating the king? What all Israel was saying reached the king at his house. So King David sent this message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: Ask the leaders of Judah, Why should you be the last tribe to reinstate the king back to his palace? read more.
You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. Why should you be the last to reinstate the king? Say to Amasa: 'Are you my flesh and blood? May God strike me dead unless you are given Joab's place to serve me always as the commander of the army.' All the people of Judah were in total agreement. So they sent the king this message: Come back with all your servants. The king returned to the Jordan River. The people of Judah went to Gilgal to meet the king and bring him across the Jordan River.