Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Samuel 15:19-20

"Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile; [return] to thine own place. Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee." — 2 Samuel 15:19-20 (ASV)

Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, Why do you also go with us? Return to your place, and abide with the king, for you are a stranger and also an exile. Since you came only yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us?

Since I go wherever I may, return, and take back your brethren: may mercy and truth be with you.

This was the manifestation of a generous spirit on David's part, and in this he was like the Son of David, who thought more of the safety of his disciples than he did of any way of escape for himself. Let the same mind be in us that was also in David, and in Christ Jesus, great David's greater Son; and let us look not only on our own things, but also on the things of others.