Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 15:24

24 ¶ And lo, Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God, and they set down the ark of God: and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

As a pledge of Gods presence and assistance, and that David might enquire at it upon occasion.

Either in expectation of drawing forth more people to David's party, if not from the[illegible: 1+ letters]r Loyalty to their Lawful King, yet from their Piety and Reverence to the Ark: or, that all the people might pass along, and the Ark might come in the rear of them for their safeguard and encouragement.

Either, 1. From the Ark which now was in the low ground, being near the Brook Cedron, to the top of the Mount of Olives, whence he had the Prospect of the City and Temple; as appears from Mark 13. 3. where he could discern when the people ceased to come out of the City after David; which when they did, he gave notice to David, that he should wait no longer, but March away and carry the Ark with him. Or, 2. From the Ark to the City, which was in an higher ground, that so he being High-Priest, might use his Authority and Interest with the People, to perswade them to do their duty, in going forth to defend and help their King against his Rebellious Son; and there he staid until all those whom he could perswade were gone forth.