2 Samuel 15:13-23 - David Flees From Jerusalem
13 A messenger told David: Absalom has the hearts of the people of Israel.
14 David told all his men who were with him in Jerusalem: We must run away quickly, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Leave right away or he will catch up to us and bring ruin upon us when he massacres the city.
15 The king's servants told him: No matter what happens, we are Your Majesty's servants. 16 The king left on foot. His whole household followed him. The king left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace. 17 The king and his troops left the city on foot. They stopped at the city limits. 18 All his mercenaries passed by him. The Cherethites, all the Pelethites, Ittai, and all six hundred men who had followed him from Gath marched past the king.
19 The king asked Ittai from Gath: Why should you go with us? Go back, and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20 In fact you came to us just yesterday. Should I make you wander around with me when I do not even know where I am going? Go back and take your countrymen with you. May Jehovah always show you kindness.
21 Ittai answered: Your Majesty, I swear to you in the name of Jehovah that I will always go with you wherever you go, even if it means death.
22 David answered: That is fine. March on! So Ittai went on with all his men and their dependents. 23 The people cried loudly as David's followers left. The king crossed Kidron Brook. His men followed him. They went to the wilderness.