Daily Tanach Sunday Shmuel 2 Chapter 15: Avshalom rebels against Dovid

1.     Dovid and his men flee the capital:

• Dovid is informed of the rebellion: A messenger came and informed Dovid of the upcoming rebellion and he informed him that the heart of the Jewish people has been captured by Avshalom and that they are now following him.
• They flee the city: Dovid told all of his servants who were with him in Jerusalem that they should get up and flee as they will not find any refuge from “Please hurry and leave, lest he hurry and reach us and bring evil upon us and smite the entire city with the sword.” The servants of Dovid replied to the king, “Whatever my master the king desires your servants are here to perform.”
• The King and all of his household left by foot.
• The concubines are left by the Palace: The King left his ten wives, who were concubines, by the palace in order to guard it.
• The people who left with Dovid: The King and all his men left by foot and stood by a distant home. All of his servants passed by him, including the archers and 600 Gittite men who came by foot from Gath. The King then spoke to Itaiy the Gittite, “Why should you also travel with us? Go sit with the King [Avshalom[1]] as you are a gentile [and people will not have mercy on you to give you food and drink[2]] and even if you do not wish to be with the King, then at least return to your home.” Itaiy replied to the King that he will go with him wherever he goes, whether to life or to death. Dovid then replied to Itaiy saying that he and the [600] men and children who are with him should pass before him.
• The nation cries and travels to the desert: The entire land cried a great cry, and all of the nation [who was with Dovid] passed by Dovid. The king crossed the channel of Kidron while the entire nation [that was with him] passed to the road leading to the desert.
• The Aron: Tzadok and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of G-d [from Jerusalem] and it was placed down [by the side of Dovid who wanted to carry it with him[3]]. Avyasar [the father of Tzadok] had resigned [from his post in the priesthood due to lack of being answered by the Urim Vetumim[4] and his son Tzadok took his place[5]]. They waited until the entire nation passed from the city. The king then said to Tzadok that he should return the ark of G-d to the city [of Jerusalem] and if G-d finds favor in His eyes “He will allow me to once again see Him. And if He no longer desires me and he should do to me as he sees fit in his eyes”

[1] Rashi 15:19

[2] Rashi 15:19

[3] Rashi 15:24

[4] Rashi 15:24; Yuma 73b

[5] Rashi 15:24