13. A man came in to tell the news to David. The man said, “The people of Israel are beginning to follow Absalom.”
14. Then David said to all of his officers who were still in Jerusalem with him, “Come on, we cannot let him trap us here in Jerusalem. Hurry up, before he catches us. He will destroy us all, and Jerusalem will be destroyed in the battle.”
15. The king’s officers told him, “We will do whatever you tell us.”
16. King David left with everyone in his family, except ten of his slave women. He left them to take care of the house.
17. The king left with everyone in his house following him on foot. They stopped at the last house.
18. All the king’s officers passed by him. And all the Kerethites, all the Pelethites, and the Gittites (600 men from Gath) passed by the king.
19. The king said to Ittai from Gath, “Why are you also going with us? You are a foreigner; this is not your homeland. Go back and stay with the new king.
20. You came to join me only yesterday. You don’t need to wander from place to place with me. Take your brothers and go back. Go with my faithful, loving kindness.”