8. So the king went to the city gate. When the news spread that the king was at the gate, everyone came to see him.All the Israelites who had followed Absalom had run away to their homes.
9. People in all the tribes of Israel began to argue, saying, “The king saved us from the Philistines and our other enemies, but he left the country because of Absalom.
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.