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 bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
Ver. 14. Arise, and let us flee.] And so prevent, what in us lieth, the misery of a civil war, and the sacking of the city.
And bring evil upon us.] Impellatque super nos malum, push evil upon us by a sudden surprise. This he spake, not for want of courage, witness Psa 3:1-8 or of good company about him, but out of prudence, and willingness to serve God's providence.