2 Samuel 17:9

In some pit. As had so often been the case when David fled from Saul.

Some other place. A phrase purposely vague, to suggest that many hiding places offered themselves, that David was well acquainted with these places but that his pursuers were not.

Be overthrown. In war there is always the possibility of sudden attacks and unexpected sallies, and of major or minor reverses. In the attack upon David some of Absalom’s men would certainly be slain. Among a body of newly gathered troops the danger of panic under such circumstances would be much greater than among David’s veterans. The fall of only a few men could easily grow into a report of a major defeat, with resultant terror and disaster.