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2 Samuel 15:13–23

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness (v. 23).

At some point, Absalom either sounds his trumpet (v. 10) or royal officials get wind of his plot. Apparently Absalom’s plans have the desired result, giving the impression that the revolt is wide and deep. A report based on that assumption is quickly passed up the chain of command to David, who immediately orders that his government evacuate Jerusalem. His orders seem to indicate a sense of panic: “Let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom.” Where now is the man who faced Goliath with a faith established on repeated divine assistance? This is reminiscent of the David who fled to Philistia to escape Saul despite witnessing one miraculous deliverance after another (1 Sam. 27:1). And yet, this move may be well thought-through. Notice David’s subsequent words to his servants: “Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” It is possible that David is expressing concern not just for himself but for his city, the place of God’s dwelling, and for the people who live in it. By leaving the city to Absalom, he will spare it the devastation it must receive in a siege. And besides, by leaving, David will force those around him to show their loyalty. Only those who are on his side will undertake the rigors of a forced evacuation into the wilderness.

After David’s servants pledge their loyalty, he goes out with all his household. He leaves 10 concubines as palace caretakers, apparently assuming that their gender will safeguard them. On the outskirts of the city, he musters his personal guard, the Cherethites and Pelethites, and a new group, the Gittites. These troops, numbering six hundred, have followed David “from Gath”; they appear to be Philistines who have committed themselves to serve David. That is certainly the case with their commander, Ittai. David is reluctant to ask Ittai to go with him into exile, for he is new to David’s service. But Ittai swears a double oath that he will follow David wherever he may go, even unto death. David then permits him to come; he cannot refuse such loyalty.

With that, David’s company begins to cross the Brook Kidron just east of Jerusalem, heading for the wilderness. Their departure is accompanied by the weeping of the people of Jerusalem. The hearts of some, at least, are not with Absalom.

Coram Deo Living before the face of God

Ittai was a foreigner, one born outside the covenant of God, but he was accepted into David’s service. Likewise, we were foreigners to the kingdom of God, but by His sovereign choice He has brought us into His service. Will we be as cognizant of His authority as the Gittite? Will we be as faithful to His cause? God grant that it may be so.


For Further Study
  • Isa. 14:1; 56:6–7
  • Ezek. 44:9
  • Eph. 2:12, 19
  • Heb. 11:13

    Preparing to Do Evil

    Submission to God’s Will

    Keep Reading Idoling Away the Hours

    From the November 2003 Issue
    Nov 2003 Issue