שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ל׳

David's departure from Jerusalem marks a moment of profound crisis and heartbreak. Forced to flee his own capital, the king and his loyal followers embark on a journey defined by deep sadness and clear signs of mourning.

Their path leads them up the Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. This specific location holds immense emotional and spiritual significance for David. Reaching the mountain represents the painful reality of separating from the city of God and the Ark of the Covenant. It is precisely at this physical point of departure that David is finally overcome with tears [מלבי״ם].

At the same time, the mountain is a site of established holiness where David would regularly bow down to God. From its peak, one could gaze directly toward the future location of the Temple on Mount Moriah, a site already known through tradition, or look toward the tent that temporarily housed the Ark of the Covenant [רלב״ג, רד״ק].

Overwhelmed by the pain of abandoning his city and the severe crisis he faces, David takes on traditional practices of mourning. He covers his head completely with his garments and walks the path entirely barefoot. The primary approach among commentators is that these physical acts, combined with the continuous weeping of both the king and his people, who also walk with their heads covered, serve as a powerful expression of their shared grief and heavy mourning over the unfolding events.