v1-2: Absalom had used his time in Jerusalem to gain the hearts of the people.

v3: Absalom spoke of justice, whilst deceiving his father, the king. Was there really no deputy of the King? See 8.15-18 and 20.23-26.

v4: Absalom desired power and influence, a proud and ambitious man, and he accused David of injustice.

v5-6: Absalom used flattery to win the people's hearts. In contrast, David's popularity was due to his faithfulness. Absalom desired the throne, he lacked the godly character essential for that responsibility.

v7-9: After four years, David's support had dwindled, and he had failed to notice. Absalom used a lie to move to Hebron. A wise leader must serve his people, and stick close to them.

v10-12: Absalom did make sacrifices at Hebron, but also gathered his supporters. He also brought Ahithophel, David's adviser.

Ahithophel the Gilonite; see 23.34; his son Eliam was a mighty man; he was possibly the grandfather of Bathsheba (11.3).

v13-14: The news of Absalom reached David. He had been ignorant of Absalom's plans, and was now caught out. But Absalom had sought to usurp the throne of a godly man, to touch the Lord's anointed; his downfall was therefore guaranteed.

v15: David had his servants; they stayed with David even when many had departed. They were willing to obey, whatever the circumstances, whatever the cost, whatever the command.

v16-22: The various supporters of David; Cherethites and Pelethites, see 1 Kings 1.38; their faithfulness remained.

Ittai the Gittite had joined David before he became king, when David fled from Achish at Gath. We would expect others to be loyal to David; see the names in 1 Chron 12, which exclusively lists people of Israel. But Ittai was a Gentile, whose loyalty was much more costly.

He was of the clan of Goliath, and was therefore an enemy who had been reconciled to God; just as we are reconciled to God in Christ.

He was faithful even in discouragement and uncertainty, "I do not know where I am going".

He was a follower, not a fan, Luke 9.59, 61.

Ittai expected difficulties, accepting them as part of the contract; Phil 1.28.

All that mattered to him was David's presence; Ruth 1.16; Song 3.1-4; Matt 5.18; 2 Tim 4.16-17.

v23: David went the way of the wilderness; sometimes this is God's call for our lives. As David and his followers passed through the countryside, the people wept, full of sorrow as their beloved king was fleeing for his life.

v24-26: Zadok was faithful also. David's instructions reflect his humility and faith. Trusted himself to God's will, and did not presume to be right. Perhaps, he thought, God had another king. It was important too that the priests stay in Jerusalem, for the blessing of the people.

v27-29: The presence of Zadok in the city would also provide an opportunity for messages to be sent to David.

v30-31: David doubtless knew of the potential influence of Ahithophel. He therefore prayed that his advice would be foolishness.

v32-37: David also sent Hushai into the city. He would be another ally for David in the city.