2 Samuel 15:11-22

11Then two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, 1who were invited and 2went 3innocently, and they did not know anything. 12And Absalom sent for 4Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city 5Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for 6the people increased continually with Absalom.

13Then a messenger came to David, saying, “7The hearts of the men of Israel are 8with Absalom.” 14David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “9Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15Then the king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses.” 16So the king went out and all his household 10with him. But 11the king left ten concubines to keep the house. 17The king went out and all the people 12with him, and they stopped at the last house. 18Now all his servants passed on beside him, 13all the Cherethites, all the Pelethites and all the Gittites, 14six hundred men who had come 15with him from Gath, passed on before the king.

19Then the king said to 16Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place. 20You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while 17I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; 18mercy and 19truth be with you.” 21But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely 20wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” 22Therefore David said to Ittai, “Go and pass over.” So Ittai the Gittite passed over with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.