Unto whom David said
After he had heard what he had to say, and what tidings he brought:
and if thou passest on with me;
in his march and flight:
then thou shalt be a burden to me;
being to be maintained by him; and David having but scanty provisions, and so could not receive useless persons, as Hushai might be, perhaps an old man, that could be of no service to him, and unfit for travelling, and so would rather be an hinderance than an help unto him.