15 These are the ones who crossed over the Jordan in the first month, when it is accustomed to overflow its banks. And they put to flight all those who were staying in the valleys, to the eastern region and to the west.
16 Then some from Benjamin and from Judah also arrived at the stronghold where David was staying.
17 And David went out to meet them, and he said: 'If you have arrived peacefully, so as to be a help to me, may my heart be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, though I have no iniquity in my hands, may the God of our fathers see and judge.'
18 Truly, the Spirit clothed Amasai, the leader among the thirty, and he said: 'O David, we are yours! O son of Jesse, we are for you! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers. For your God helps you.' Therefore, David received them, and he appointed them as leaders of troops.
19 Moreover, some from Manasseh crossed over to David, when he went forth with the Philistines against Saul, so that he might fight. But he did not fight with them. For the leaders of the Philistines, taking counsel, sent him back, saying, 'To the peril of our own heads, he will return to his lord, Saul.'
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