11. When David found out what they were saying, he sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. It said:Say to the leaders of Judah, “Why are you the last tribe to think about bringing King David back home?
12. He is your brother, your own relative! Why haven't you done anything to bring him back?”
13. And tell Amasa, “You're my nephew, and with God as a witness, I swear I'll make you commander of my army instead of Joab.”
14. Soon the tribe of Judah again became followers of David, and they sent him this message: “Come back, and bring your soldiers with you.”
15. David started back and had gone as far as the River Jordan when he met the people of Judah. They had gathered at Gilgal and had come to help him cross the river.
16. Shimei the son of Gera was there with them. He had hurried from Bahurim to meet David. Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin, and
17. a thousand others from Benjamin had come with him.Ziba, the chief servant of Saul's family, also came to the River Jordan. He and his fifteen sons and twenty servants waded across to meet David.
18. Then they brought David's family and servants back across the river, and they did everything he wanted them to do.Shimei crossed the River Jordan and bowed down in front of David.
19. He said, “Your Majesty, I beg you not to punish me! Please, forget what I did when you were leaving Jerusalem. Don't even think about it.