David's suggestion that Ittai should return to the city, that he should live with the new king—that "mercy and faithfulness" will be with Ittai in Absalom's service—represents David's genuine concern for the welfare of his loyal warrior and his attempt to ensure the best possible outcome for Ittai's future. The king's reference to mercy and faithfulness suggests his hope that Absalom will treat his father's loyal servants well, a hope that reveals David's optimism regarding his son despite the rebellion. David's suggestion that Ittai should not follow him into exile, that the Gittite's loyalty to the deposed king brings no benefit and only peril, reveals David's genuine concern for his followers. The verse demonstrates David's capacity for selfless concern for the welfare of others even as he faces the consequences of his own failures.

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