eas they had ejected
him out of his kingdom, and committed it to another governor, which
other governor, whom they had set up, was already dead, they did not now
beseech David to leave off his anger at them, and to become friends with
them, and, as he used to do, to resume the care of their affairs,
and take the kingdom again. This was often told to David. And, this
notwithstanding, David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the high priests, that
they should speak to the rulers of the tribe of Judah after the manner
following: That it would be a reproach upon them to permit the other
tribes to choose David for their king before their tribe, "and this,"
said he, "while you are akin to him, and of the same common blood."
He commanded them also to say the same to Amasa the captain of their
forces, That whereas he was his sister's son, he had not persuaded the
multitude to restore the kingdom to David; that he might expect from
him not only a reconciliation, for that was already granted, but that
supreme command of the army also which Absalom had bestowed upon him.
Accordingly the high priests, when they had discoursed with the rulers
of the tribe, and said what the king had ordered them, persuaded Amasa
to undertake the care of his affairs. So he persuaded that tribe to
send immediately ambassadors to him, to beseech him to return to his
own kingdom. The same did all the Israelites, at the like persuasion of
Amasa.

2. When the ambassadors came to him, he came to Jerusalem; and the tribe
of Judah was the first that came to meet the king at the river Jordan.
And Shimei, the son of Gera, came with a thousand men, which he brought
with him out of the tribe of Benjamin; and Ziba, the freed-man of Saul,
with his sons, fifteen in number, and with his twenty servants. All
these, as well as the tribe of Judah, laid a bridge [of boats] over the
river, that the king, and those that were with him, might with ease
pass over it. Now as soon as he was come to Jordan, the tribe of Judah
saluted him. Shimei also came upon the bridge, and took hold of his
feet, and prayed him to forgive him what he had offended, and not to be
too bitter against him, nor to think fit to make him the first example
of severity under his new authority; but to consider that he had
repented of his failure of duty, and had taken care to come first of
all to him. While he was thus entreating the king, and moving him to
compassion, Abishai, Joab's brother, said, "And shall