7. Now get up! Go out there and thank them for what they did. If you don't, I swear by the Lord that you won't even have one man left on your side tomorrow morning. You may have had a lot of troubles in the past, but this will be the worst thing that has ever happened to you!
8. David got up and went to the town gate and sat down. When the people heard that he was sitting there, they came to see him.After Israel's soldiers had all returned home,
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