שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ט׳

A father's permission for his son to depart is filled with a mixture of hope and underlying anxiety. David remembers a previous occasion when his son asked to leave for a sheep-shearing event, an outing that ended in a harsh tragedy. Because of this painful memory, David deliberately emphasizes his desire that this current journey will be truly peaceful [אברבנאל].

Despite his hopes, the specific nature of David's farewell carries a dark omen. There is a deeply rooted tradition regarding how to part from someone. When saying goodbye to a living person, the custom is to wish them a journey toward peace, ensuring a successful path, much like the successful parting of Jethro and Moses. A blessing to go in peace, however, is traditionally reserved for the dead. Tragically, David offers the blessing reserved for the deceased. Following this fateful farewell, the son's journey ultimately ends in disaster and his death by hanging [אברבנאל].

The destination chosen for this journey is also highly calculated. The city of Hebron is not a random location; it holds deep political and historical significance as the capital of the land of Judah. Most importantly, it is the exact place where David himself first began to rule [ביאור שטיינזלץ].