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41 Before long, all the men of Israel came to the king and complained: “Why have our brothers, the men of Judah, stolen you away and joined with all David’s men in escorting the king and his household across the Jordan?” 42 Then all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel: “We did so because the king is our close relative. What right do you have to complain about this? Have we eaten anything at the king’s expense? Have we received any gifts from him?”

43 The men of Israel retorted to the men of Judah: “We have ten shares in the king. In addition, we have a greater claim than you do. Why do you continue to slight us? Were we not the first ones to suggest the possibility of bringing back the king?” However, the words of the men of Judah were even more vitriolic than the words of the men of Israel.

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