13. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14. 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.
15. And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall choose.
16. And the king went forth, and all his household after him, And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
17. And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.
18. And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
19. Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile; return to thine own place.