2 Samuel 15:14
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 bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
David commanded all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem to arise and flee because Absalom had rebelled against him. He gave the order to make speed to depart, unwilling to remain in the capital under the threat gathering against him. His reason was fear that Absalom would overtake them suddenly and bring evil upon them by smiting the city with the edge of the sword. He sought to spare Jerusalem from violence by withdrawing from it before Absalom could fall upon it.
In this flight David went out as a dethroned, crownless king, stripped for the time of royal power and honor. The fleeing company with him was not soldiers only, but included men, women, and little children. Their flight brought them to the Jordan, where after resting briefly they were awakened to cross the deep, swift-flowing river in darkness while Absalom's forces pursued them.