2 Samuel 15:13-18

New International Reader's Version

David Runs Away From Absalom

¹³ A messenger came and spoke to David. He told him, “The hearts of the Israelites are turned toward Absalom.”

¹⁴ Then David spoke to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem. He said, “Come on! We have to leave right away! If we don’t, none of us will escape from Absalom. He’ll move quickly to catch up with us. He’ll destroy us. His men will kill everyone in the city with their swords.”

¹⁵ The king’s officials answered him, “You are our king and master. We’re ready to do anything you want.”

¹⁶ The king started out. Everyone in his whole family went with him. But he left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace. ¹⁷ So the king and all those with him left. They stopped at the edge of the city. ¹⁸ All of David’s officials marched past him. All the Kerethites and Pelethites marched along with them. And all of the 600 men who had come with him from Gath marched in front of him.