16
From the descendants of Binyamin and Y'hudah a number came to David at the fortress.
17
When David went out to meet them, he said, "If you are coming to me in peace to help me, my heart will be bonded to yours. But if you are coming to betray me to my enemies, then, since I have done nothing wrong, may the God of our fathers see it and judge."
18
Then the Spirit covered 'Amasai the chief commander, and he said: "We are yours, David; on your side, son of Yishai! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers; for your God helps you." David welcomed them and made them senior officers.
19
From M'nasheh some defected to David when he was about to go with the P'lishtim to fight against Sha'ul; but they ended up not helping them; because the rulers of the P'lishtim, after consultation, sent David away, saying, "He will defect to his master Sha'ul at the cost of our heads."
20
As he was on his way to Ziklag, those who defected to him from M'nasheh included 'Adnach, Yozavad, Y'dia'el, Mikha'el, Yozavad, Elihu and Tziltai, commanders of thousands from M'nasheh.
21
They helped David against the raiding band, for they were all strong, brave men who were commanders in the army.
22
Indeed, reinforcements to assist David reached him daily, until there was a great army, like the army of God.
23
Following are the numbers of those who came armed for war to David in Hevron, in order to transfer to him the kingdom of Sha'ul, according to what ADONAI had said.
24
The descendants of Y'hudah bearing shields and spears numbered 6,800, armed for war.
25
Of the descendants of Shim'on, strong, brave men for war, there were 7,100.
26
Of the descendants of Levi, there were 4,600.