10. We appointed Absalom to rule us, but now he has died in battle. We should make David the king again.”
11. King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, that said, “Speak to the elders of Judah. Say, ‘Even in my house I have heard what all the Israelites are saying. So why are you the last tribe to bring the king back to his palace?
12. You are my brothers, my own family. Why are you the last tribe to bring back the king?’
13. And say to Amasa, ‘You are part of my own family. May God punish me terribly if I don’t make you commander of the army in Joab’s place!’ ”
14. David touched the hearts of all the people of Judah at once. They sent a message to the king that said, “Return with all your men.”
15. Then the king returned as far as the Jordan River. The men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and to bring him across the Jordan.
16. Shimei son of Gera, a Benjaminite who lived in Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17. With Shimei came a thousand Benjaminites. Ziba, the servant from Saul’s family, also came, bringing his fifteen sons and twenty servants with him. They all hurried to the Jordan River to meet the king.
18. The people went across the Jordan to help bring the king’s family back to Judah and to do whatever the king wanted. As the king was crossing the river, Shimei son of Gera came to him and bowed facedown on the ground in front of the king.
19. He said to the king, “My master, don’t hold me guilty. Don’t remember the wrong I did when you left Jerusalem! Don’t hold it against me.
20. I know I have sinned. That is why I am the first person from Joseph’s family to come down and meet you today, my master and king!”
21. But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die because he cursed you, the Lord’s appointed king!”
22. David said, “This does not concern you, sons of Zeruiah! Today you’re against me! No one will be put to death in Israel today. Today I know I am king over Israel!”
23. Then the king promised Shimei, “You won’t die.”
24. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also went down to meet King David. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, cut his beard, or washed his clothes from the time the king had left Jerusalem until he returned safely.
25. When Mephibosheth came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me?”