2 Samuel 15:11-22

11Then two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem, 1who were invited and 2went 3innocently, for 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 continually increased with Absalom.

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

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