David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy
Ittai the Gittite was a commander who remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion.
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Ittai the Gittite was a commander of six hundred men who remained loyal to King David during the rebellion of his son Absalom (2Sa.15.19-22). Ittai was from Gath, a Philistine city, and had only recently come to join David's forces (2Sa.15.20).
When David was fleeing from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, he urged Ittai to return to the city with his blessing, as he was a foreigner and exile (2Sa.15.19-20). However, Ittai pledged his unwavering loyalty to David, vowing to follow him whether it meant life or death (2Sa.15.21). Moved by Ittai's devotion, David allowed him and his men to accompany him (2Sa.15.22).
During the battle against Absalom's forces, David appointed Ittai as one of the three commanders of his army, alongside Joab and Abishai (2Sa.18.2). David specifically ordered these commanders to deal gently with Absalom for his sake (2Sa.18.5). After Absalom's death, Ittai was among those who heard David's lament for his son (2Sa.18.12).
Ittai's loyalty to David, despite being a foreigner and newcomer, showcases the king's ability to inspire devotion among his followers. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and commitment in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Ittai's willingness to stand by David during a time of crisis.
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6 verses in 1 book · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H0863
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.
But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!”
“March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joabʼs brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the kingʼs orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.
The man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.