2 Samuel 15:14
And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem,.... His courtiers and ministers of state, the officers of his household, as many of them as were with him in the city; for some of them very probably were in the country, as Ahithophel was, and some might be along with Absalom, whom he had invited to his peace offerings:
Arise, and let us flee; it is much that a man of such courage and valour as David should be so intimidated at once as to make a flight as soon as he heard of a conspiracy forming against him:
for we shall not else escape from Absalom; his fears ran so high, that he fancied he would be upon them presently:
make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly; which still more clearly shows the panic he was in:
and bring evil upon us; kill them, or make them prisoners:
and smite the city with the edge of the sword; the inhabitants of it, should they make resistance.