17 So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city.
17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
17 And the king went out, and all the people after him. And they halted at the last house.
17 And so they left, step by step by step, and then paused at the last house
17 And the king went out with all the people after him, and stopped at the outskirts.
17 The king and all his people set out on foot, pausing at the last house
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17
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.