14 Then David said to all his officials who were withhim in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of uswill escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately,
or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruinon us and put the city to the sword." - P54
16 The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of thepalace. - P54
19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should youcome along with us? Go back and stay with King Absa-lom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.
20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make youwander about with us, when I do not know where I amgoing? Go back, and take your people with you. Maythe LORD show you kindness and faithfulness." - P55
David hears that the Israelites are following Absalom and decides to flee.
His officials and family go with him, except for ten concubines, who are leftbehind to take care of the palace. - P55
David tells Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner, tostay behind, but Ittai considers David his king and wants to follow him. Davidand his people move toward the wilderness. - P55
In a somewhat surprising decision, David decides to flee from Absa-lom‘s band of rebels rather than stay and fight. - P56
He recognizes that theimpending attack is a fulfillment of prophecy and wisely does all that hecan to limit the harm that might befall his household and his people. - P56
Asbelievers, we are called to be at peace with others as far as it depends onus. The Lord is our Judge, and He will set the record straight in the end.
- P56
We have no need to employ unnecessary force to stand up for ourselvesor prove ourselves right. - P56
In the face of opposition, we ought to put the safety and well-being of
others first rather than asserting our own rights. - P56
Amid David‘s perilous escape, there is a heartwarming moment of tenderness. - P56
Not wanting Ittai the Gittite to be dragged into a revolutionarywar in a foreign country, David bids him return to Jerusalem and serveunder Absalom. - P56
But Ittai doubles down on his commitment to David,
responding to David‘s thoughtfulness with a pledge of faithfulness. - P56
Inthis time of great adversity, David finds encouragement in this loyalfriend and ally. - P56
One of the most precious blessings that can come out ofseasons of trial are the unexpected people God sends to provide us withcomfort and support. - P56
Often, such people end up becoming lifelongfriends, walking with us on this journey and reminding us of God‘s lovewhen we need it most. - P56
Lord God, amid the chaos of this world, help me to be a peacemaker. Thankyou for the friends You have given me for this journey, and help me to be afaithful friend as well. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P57
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