12:16 Some from Benjamin and Judah also came to David’s stronghold. 12:17 David went out to meet them and said, 1 “If you come to me in peace and want to help me, then I will make an alliance with you. 2 But if you come to betray me to my enemies when I have not harmed you, 3 may the God of our ancestors 4 take notice and judge!” 12:18 But a spirit 5 empowered 6 Amasai, the leader of the thirty warriors, and he said: 7
“We are yours, O David!
We support 8 you, O son of Jesse!
May you greatly prosper! 9
May those who help you prosper! 10
Indeed 11 your God helps you!”
So David accepted them and made them leaders of raiding bands.
1 tn Heb “and David went out before them and answered and said to them.”
2 tn Heb “there will be to me concerning you a heart for unity.”
3 tn Heb “with no violence in my hands.”
4 tn Heb “fathers.”
1 tn Perhaps “the Spirit,” but the text has simply רוּחַ (ruakh) with no article (suggesting an indefinite reference).
2 tn Heb “clothed.”
3 tn The words “and he said” are supplied in the translation for clarity and for stylistic reasons.
4 tn Heb “are with.”
5 tn Heb “Peace, peace to you.” The Hebrew term שָׁלוֹם (shalom, “peace”) is repeated to emphasize degree.
6 tn Heb “and peace to the one who helps you.”
7 tn Or “for.”