8. I made that promise while I was still living in Geshur in Aram. I said, ‘If the Lord brings me back to Jerusalem, I will serve the Lord in a special way.’”
9. King David said, “Go in peace.” Absalom went to Hebron.
10. But he also sent spies to all the tribes of Israel. They told the people, “When you hear the trumpet, say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’”
11. Absalom invited 200 men to go with him. They left Jerusalem with him, but they did not know what he was planning.
12. Ahithophel was one of David’s advisors. He was from the town of Giloh. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he invited Ahithophel to join. Absalom’s plans were working very well and more and more people began to support him.
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.”
21. But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as long as you live, I will stay with you, in life or death!”
22. David said to Ittai, “Then come, let’s go cross Kidron Brook.” So Ittai from Gath and all of his people and their children crossed over Kidron Brook.
23. All the people were crying loudly. Then King David crossed over Kidron Brook, and all the people went out to the desert.