16. These were the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing its banks, routing all those in the valleys to the east and to the west.
17. Some of the children of Benjamin and also from Judah came to David at the stronghold.
18. David went out to meet them and answered them saying, “If you come to me in peace to support me, then my heart will be united with you. But if it is to betray me to my adversaries, when my hands have done no wrong, then may the God of our fathers take notice and judge.”
19. Then a spirit came upon Amasai, leader of the 30, “We are yours, David, on your side, son of Jesse. Shalom, shalom to you, and shalom to him who helps you, for your God supports you!” So David welcomed them and made them leaders of the troops.
20. Some from Manasseh went over to David when he went with the Philistines to battle against Saul. But they did not help them because the Philistine rulers after consultation sent him away, saying: “It would cost us our heads if he defected to his master Saul.”
21. When he went to Ziklag, these from Manasseh joined him—Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, Zillethai, the leaders of thousands that were from Manasseh.
22. They helped David against the raiding bands, for all of them were valiant warriors and they were officers in the army.
23. Day by day men came to David to help him until there was a great army like the army of God.