22. David replied, “All right, come with us.” So Ittai and all his men and their families went along.
23. Everyone cried loudly as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness.
24. Zadok and all the Levites also came along, carrying the Ark of the Covenant of God. They set down the Ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until everyone had passed out of the city.
25. Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If the lord sees fit,” David said, “he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again.
26. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”
27. The king also told Zadok the priest, “Look, here is my plan. You and Abiathar should return quietly to the city with your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan.
28. I will stop at the shallows of the Jordan River and wait there for a report from you.”