1 Joab heard the king cried for Absalom. ️ 2 The win felt like a sad day. People heard, “The king is sad for his son.” ️➡️ 3 The people came back quiet, like after a loss. ♂️ 4 The king hid his face and cried, “My son Absalom!” 5 Joab went to the king and said, “You make your helpers feel bad. They saved you.” ️ 6 Joab said, “It looks like you care if Absalom lives and not if we die.” 7 Joab said, “Go talk nice to your men now. If you do not, no one will stay.” ️ 8 The king sat at the gate. People came to Him. The others ran home. 9 All Israel talked, “The king saved us. He ran from Absalom.” ️️ 10 “Absalom is dead. Bring the king back.” ️⚰️⤴️ 11 David told the priests, “Tell Judah: Why are you last to bring me back?” ️⛪ 12 “Judah, you are my family.” 13 “Tell Amasa, ‘You will lead my army now, not Joab.’” ➡️ 14 The men of Judah all agreed and said, “Come back, king.” ❤️ 15 The king came to the river. Judah came to help Him cross. 16 Shimei ran to meet King David with Judah men. ♂️ 17 A big group came. Ziba came too, with his sons and helpers. They got to the river first. ♂️ 18 They helped the king’s family cross. Shimei bowed low to the king. ♂️ 19 Shimei said, “Please do not blame me for the bad I did that day.” ♂️ 20 He said, “I know I did wrong. I came first to meet you today.” ♂️ 21 Abishai said, “Should we kill Shimei? He said bad words to the king.” ⚔️ 22 David said, “No! Not today. No one will die. I am king today.” ✋ 23 The king said, “You will not die.” The king made a promise. 24 Mephibosheth came. He had not washed or trimmed since the king left. ♂️♂️ 25 The king asked, “Why did you not come with me, Mephibosheth?” ❓ 26 He said, “My helper tricked me. I said I will ride a donkey. I cannot walk well.” ️♂️❌ 27 “He lied about me to you. You are wise, my king. Do what you think is good.” ️➡️ 28 “My family could have died. But you let me eat at your table. I do not ask for more.” ️ 29 The king said, “Stop now. You and Ziba will share the land.” ✋ 30 Mephibosheth said, “He can have it all. I am glad you are home safe.” 31 Barzillai came with the king to the river to help Him go. 32 Barzillai was 80 years old. He gave food to the king before. He was rich. 33 The king said, “Come with me. I will care for you in my city.” ️ 34 Barzillai said, “I am old. I will not live long. Should I go now?” ❓ 35 “I am 80. I cannot taste well or hear songs well. I do not want to be a load to you.” ️❌❌ 36 “I will go a little way. You do not need to pay me back.” ♂️➡️ 37 “Let me go home and die near my mom and dad. Take Chimham with you. Do good to him.” ➡️ 38 The king said, “Chimham will come. I will do what you ask. I will do good for him and for you.” 39 All crossed the river. The king hugged and blessed Barzillai. Barzillai went home. ✨ 40 The king went to Gilgal. Chimham went too. All Judah and many from Israel walked with the king. ♂️ 41 Then Israel men said, “Why did Judah take you over the river without us?” ❓ 42 Judah said, “The king is our family. Do not be mad. We did not get free food or gifts.” ️❌❌ 43 Israel said, “We have more groups. Why did you look down on us? We spoke first.” Judah talked even harder. ️⚡