1. The king's followers (13-23)

When David heard the message about Absalom, he recognized the danger his household was in and he fled from Jerusalem. Although the hour was dark, the faithfulness of his people shined brightly. Ittai the Gittite was a foreigner who had just recently come to Jerusalem. He declared "wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be." All of his men followed David into the wilderness with their families. Our Lord Jesus also crossed Kidron with his disciples on the night he was betrayed and arrested. He invited them to come and share in his sufferings as he faced his death in prayer. It is an honor to share in his sufferings. In death or life, let us follow Jesus to the end.

2. David's faith (24-37)

David knew that his life was in God's hands. He instructed Abiathar and Zadok to carry the ark back into the city, saying that if he found favor with God, he would see it again. And then, when he heard how Ahithophel joined the conspirators, he responded in prayer, asking for God to turn his counsel into foolishness, which is exactly what happened. Like David, we can trust God in all circumstances.