2 Samuel 15:24 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him They knew David's great regard for them and their office, notwithstanding his failings; and the arts which Absalom had used to gain the people's affections had made no impression upon them. They saw that he had little religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Bearing the ark of the covenant of God As a pledge of God's presence and assistance. And they set down the ark of God Either in expectation of drawing forth more people to David's party, if not from their loyalty to their lawful king, yet from their piety and reverence to the ark; or, that all the people might pass along, and the ark might come in the rear of them, for their safeguard and encouragement. Abiathar went up From the ark to the city, which was on higher ground; that so he, being high-priest, might use his authority with the people, to persuade them to do their duty; and there he stayed until all those whom he could persuade were gone forth.