2 Samuel 19:9-15

GOD’S WORD Translation

⁹ All the people in all the tribes of Israel were arguing with one another, saying, “The king rescued us from our enemies and saved us from the Philistines, but now he has fled from Absalom and left the country. ¹⁰ However, Absalom, whom we anointed to rule us, has died in battle. Why is no one talking about bringing back the king?”

¹¹ 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 bring the king back to his palace? ¹² You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. Why should you be the last to bring back the king?’ ¹³ And tell Amasa, ‘Aren’t 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.’ ”

¹⁴ All the people of Judah were in total agreement. So they sent the king this message: “Come back with all your servants.”

¹⁵ The king came back to the Jordan River, and the people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring him across the Jordan River.