David Returns to Jerusalem

⁹ Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines.^(A) But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom;^{(B) 10} and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

¹¹ King David sent this message to Zadok^(C) and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters? ¹² You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?’ ¹³ And say to Amasa,^(D) ‘Are you not my own flesh and blood?^(E) May God deal with me, be it ever so severely,^(F) if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.^(G)’”

⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

³⁹ For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’^[a]”^(A)

⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

³⁵ Look, your house is left to you desolate.^(A) I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’^[a]”^(B)

¹³ They took palm branches^(A) and went out to meet him, shouting,