Ittai's question to David—his inquiry as to where the king is going—represents the beginning of a dialogue in which David attempts to release his foreign followers from their obligation and to encourage them to return to the new king. David's reference to Ittai as a foreigner and a stranger to Israel, and his suggestion that Ittai should return to the new king Absalom, represents an attempt to free the Gittite warrior from any obligation to the deposed king. David's acknowledgment of his own deposition—his suggestion that Ittai should return to the one who is now king—demonstrates his recognition of the political reality and his desire to spare his foreign followers the consequences of his fall. The verse establishes a moment of dialogue between David and his most loyal followers, where the king attempts to release them from their oaths and obligations.

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