13. A messenger reported to David, “The Israelites are pledging their loyalty to Absalom.”
14. So David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “We must get away at once if we want to escape from Absalom! Hurry! Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!”
15. “Yes, Your Majesty,” they answered. “We are ready to do whatever you say.”