MPV Commentary

David said to his followers, "Let us flee and escape from Jerusalem." He wanted to preserve the city he had made beautiful and hoped that a greater number of people would support him throughout the land.

The Gittites, 600 men who were foreign guards from Gath, stood by David. These soldiers had been enlisted in his service when he was living among the Philistines. Addressing their commander, Ittai, David tested their loyalty by asking them to stay with the new king (2Sa 15:19).

The brook Kidron, a winter torrent that flows through the valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, marked the boundary beyond which David would not go.

Zadok and all the Levites, carrying the ark, accompanied David in his distress. However, he sent them back with the ark, knowing it was a symbol of God's presence, and that they might be exempt from attack by the rebels. He also wanted them to remain in Jerusalem and watch the enemy's movements.

David went up the ascent of Mount Olivet, his head covered in mourning. His humility and resignation reflected his sanctified spirit, which had been induced by contrition for his transgressions. He had fallen, but it was a fall from a position of integrity, and he submitted meekly to God's will.

David prayed, "Turn, O Lord, the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." This senator was the main architect of the conspiracy against him.

When David reached the top of Mount Olivet, where he worshiped, looking towards Jerusalem with its ark and tabernacle, he instructed Hushai the Archite to go back and counter Ahithophel's counsel. Hushai, a native of Archi on the border of Benjamin and Ephraim (Jos 16:2), was known for his fervent piety combined with shrewd policy.