And smite the city - David’s kind nature induced him to spare Jerusalem the horrors of a siege, and the risk of being taken by assault. He had no standing army with which to resist this sudden attack from so unexpected a quarter. Possibly too he remembered Nathan’s prophecy 2 Samuel 12:10-12.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 15:14
2 Samuel 15:14
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 bringb evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.