Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Samuel 15:13-23

"And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the king`s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall choose. And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, that were concubines, to keep the house. And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak. And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men that came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 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. And Ittai answered the king, and said, As Jehovah liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be. And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness." — 2 Samuel 15:13-23 (ASV)

David determined to leave Jerusalem. He took this resolve as a penitent submitting to the rod. Before unrighteous Absalom, he could justify himself and stand firm; but before the righteous God, he had to condemn himself and yield to His judgments. Thus he accepted the punishment of his sin.

And good men, when they themselves suffer, are concerned that others should not be led to suffer with them. He compelled no one; those whose hearts were with Absalom, to Absalom let them go, and so their doom will be. Thus Christ enlists no one but willing followers.

David cannot bear to think that Ittai, a stranger and an exile, a proselyte and a new convert, who ought to be encouraged and spared hardship, should meet with harsh treatment. But Ittai so values David's wisdom and goodness that he will not leave him. He is a true friend, who loves at all times and will remain loyal to us in adversity.

Let us cling to the Son of David with full purpose of heart, and neither life nor death shall separate us from His love.