16 The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace.
16 And the king went forth, and all his household after
16 So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left ten concubines to keep the house.
16 So the king and his entire household escaped on foot. The king left ten concubines behind to tend to the palace.
16 Then the king went out with all his household after him. But the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house.
16 So the king and all his household set out at once. He left no one behind except ten of his concubines to look after the palace.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:16
Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:13-23
(Read 2 Samuel 15:13-23)
David determined to quit Jerusalem. He took this resolve, as a penitent submitting to the rod. Before unrighteous Absalom he could justify himself, and stand out; but before the righteous God he must condemn himself, and yield to his judgments. Thus he accepts the punishment of his sin. And good men, when they themselves suffer, are anxious that others should not be led to suffer with them. He compelled none; those whose hearts were with Absalom, to Absalom let them go, and so shall their doom be. Thus Christ enlists none but willing followers. David cannot bear to think that Ittai, a stranger and an exile, a proselyte and a new convert, who ought to be encouraged and made easy, should meet with hard usage. But such value has Ittai for David's wisdom and goodness, that he will not leave him. He is a friend indeed, who loves at all times, and will adhere to us in adversity. Let us cleave to the Son of David, with full purpose of heart, and neither life nor death shall separate us from his love.