14. David said . . . Arise, and let us flee—David, anxious for the preservation of the city which he had beautified, and hopeful of a greater support throughout the country, wisely resolved on leaving Jerusalem.

     18-20. all the Gittites, six hundred men—These were a body of foreign guards, natives of Gath, whom David, when in the country of the Philistines, had enlisted in his service, and kept around his person. Addressing their commander, Ittai, he made a searching trial of their fidelity in bidding them (2Sa 15:19) abide with the new king.

     23. the brook Kidron—a winter torrent that flows through the valley between the city and the eastern side of the Mount of Olives.

     24, 25. Zadok also, and all the Levites . . ., bearing the ark—Knowing the strong religious feelings of the aged king, they brought it to accompany him in his distress. But as he could not doubt that both the ark and their sacred office would exempt them from the attacks of the rebels, he sent them back with it—not only that they might not be exposed to the perils of uncertain wandering, for he seems to place more confidence in the symbol of the divine presence than in God Himself—but that, by remaining in Jerusalem, they might render him greater service by watching the enemy's movements.

     30. David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet—The same pathway over that mount has been followed ever since that memorable day.

     31. David said, Turn, O Lord, . . . the counsel of Ahithophel—this senator being the mainstay of the conspiracy.

     32. when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped—looking towards Jerusalem, where were the ark and tabernacle.