Useful Bible Studies > 2 Samuel Commentary > chapter 15
Ittai’s reply seemed to impress David greatly. Until now, during the present troubles, David seemed hardly aware that he was Israel’s king. He even called Absalom ‘the king’ in verse 19. However, Ittai’s reply reminded David that God had appointed David to be Israel’s king. So David was not merely someone who had to escape from his enemy. Rather, God had a plan for David’s life; and so David had a duty to carry out his special work for God. David’s present troubles did not change that fact.
Until now, nobody had crossed the stream called the Kidron. That stream, in its deep valley, formed a natural boundary for ancient Jerusalem on the east side. David gave Ittai the honour to cross the stream first. The 600 men whom he commanded, with their families, all crossed next. By that act, they all showed their complete agreement with the words that Ittai had spoken.
Then all the other people who supported David crossed the stream; and David crossed it with them. They were deeply sad; and so was everyone who saw them. Many people - and even many of the strong men - cried tears that day. We do not think that they cried because of their own troubles. They cried because of Israel, and especially for Jerusalem. They cried because the nation had turned against its true king, and against the real God. They cried because of the pain and trouble in their nation. However, probably they cried most in prayer that God would act again for his own honour in Israel.
Next part: Zadok and Abiathar bring the ark to David (2 Samuel 15:24)
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