15:19-22
David was concerned for the well being of Ittai the Gittite and urged him to go back to Jerusalem and to stay with Absalom (David even referred to him as king Absalom). David considered that Ittai owed no debt to David. However, Ittai insisted on continuing to follow David, and so it was.
15:23
“The whole countryside wept aloud ...” Although Absalom had gathered a large number of people, it seems that the whole country had not been won over. A group of people who are utterly determined, even though they are a minority, can have an enormous influence.
15:24-26
The ark of the covenant was with them, along with Zadok the priest and the Levites. Sacrifices were offered. Having the ark was a sign that David was trusting in the Lord. However, David did not treat the ark as a “good luck” symbol. So he ordered Zadok to take the ark back to Jerusalem, that was where it belonged. He also thought there was a possibility that God would allow David to return to Jerusalem. Whether or not God allowed David to return, David was content to accept God’s judgement on the matter. David had put himself in God’s hands. When someone has sinned there are two basic reactions. One is to protest our innocence, or to become belligerent, exalting ourself. The other is to accept that we have sinned and to entrust ourselves to the Lord. David had chosen the latter course.
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