2 Samuel 19:9-15

Evangelical Heritage Version

⁹ All the people in all the tribes of Israel were quarreling and saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies. He saved us from the hand of the Philistines. Now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. ¹⁰ But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now why are you silent about bringing back the king?”

¹¹ King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests. He said, “Speak to the elders of Judah. Ask them, ‘Why will you be the last to bring the king back to his palace?’ The plan that all Israel has been discussing has been reported to the king at his house. ¹² You are my brothers. You are my flesh and blood.^[a] Why will you be the last to bring back the king?”

¹³ He also said, “Say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my flesh and blood? May God punish me severely and double it,^[b] if you are not the permanent commander of my army in place of Joab.’”

¹⁴ David turned the hearts of all the men of Judah as if they were one man. They sent to the king and said, “Return, you and all your servants.”

¹⁵ So the king returned and came to the Jordan. The men of Judah came out to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king across the Jordan.