Behold, all the men of Yisra'el came to the king, and said to the king, Why have our brothers the men of Yehudah stolen you away, and brought the king, and his household, over the Yarden, and all David's men with him?
All the men of Yehudah answered the men of Yisra'el, Because the king is a close relative to us: why then are you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all at the king's cost? or has he given us any gift?
Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shekhem, Whether is better for you, that all the sons of Yerubba`al, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.