שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ״ט

As David flees from the rebellion of his son Absalom, he makes a crucial decision regarding the Ark of God. Following the king's direct orders, the priests Zadok and Abiathar carry the Ark back into Jerusalem and remain inside the city [אברבנאל].

This return of the Ark sheds light on the next phase of David's journey. While some suggest that David's subsequent climb up the Mount of Olives is a deliberate act to look back at the Tabernacle and bow toward the Ark from a distance, [אברבנאל] strongly disagrees. He points out that the Ark had just been with David. Since the king himself commands the priests to take it back to the city, it makes little sense that he would then climb a mountain specifically to bow toward it.

Instead, David's parting from the Ark and his path forward are driven by the practical realities of a man running for his life. His ascent up the Mount of Olives is simply the natural geographic route for his escape. Furthermore, the mountain provides a vital tactical advantage. It serves as a secure lookout point where David can safely observe the events unfolding in Jerusalem and wait for critical intelligence regarding Absalom's next moves and the strategies of Ahithophel, who has allied with the rebels.