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!" But Ittai replied to the kingIttai the Gittite, a foreigner from Gath, demonstrates remarkable loyalty to King David. The name "Ittai" is derived from the Hebrew root "עִתַּי" (Ittay), meaning "with me" or "near me," which is fitting given his commitment to David. Historically, Gath was a Philistine city, and Ittai's allegiance to David, an Israelite king, underscores the unifying power of David's leadership and God's influence, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. As surely as the LORD lives
This phrase is a solemn oath invoking the name of the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. The Hebrew word for LORD here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred tetragrammaton, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God. Ittai's use of this phrase indicates his recognition of the LORD's sovereignty and his own faith in the God of Israel, despite his Philistine origins. It reflects a deep spiritual conviction and a commitment that is not merely political but also religious. and as my lord the king lives
Ittai acknowledges David's rightful authority as king. The term "lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni) is a title of respect and submission, while "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) denotes David's God-ordained role as the ruler of Israel. This dual acknowledgment of both divine and royal authority highlights the biblical principle that earthly leadership is established by God. Ittai's declaration reinforces the legitimacy of David's kingship, even during a time of political upheaval. wherever my lord the king may be
This phrase signifies Ittai's unwavering loyalty and readiness to follow David under any circumstances. The Hebrew word for "wherever" (בַּאֲשֶׁר, ba'asher) implies a total commitment without conditions. Ittai's dedication serves as an example of true discipleship and faithfulness, mirroring the call for believers to follow Christ wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost or destination. whether it means life or death
Ittai's commitment extends to the ultimate sacrifice, echoing the biblical theme of laying down one's life for a friend (John 15:13). The Hebrew words for "life" (חַיִּים, chayyim) and "death" (מָוֶת, mavet) encompass the full spectrum of human existence. This phrase underscores the depth of Ittai's loyalty and the seriousness of his vow, reflecting the Christian call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus, even unto death. your servant will be there
The term "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved) denotes humility and a willingness to serve. Ittai's declaration of servitude is a powerful testament to his character and his understanding of true leadership as service. This mirrors the biblical model of servant leadership exemplified by Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Ittai's pledge to be present "there" signifies his readiness to stand by David in any situation, embodying the faithfulness and presence that God calls His followers to exhibit. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ittai the GittiteA foreigner from Gath who showed remarkable loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion. Despite being a newcomer, he pledged unwavering allegiance to David. 2. King DavidThe anointed king of Israel, facing a rebellion led by his son Absalom. David's leadership and character are tested during this crisis. 3. Absalom's RebellionA significant event where Absalom, David's son, attempts to usurp the throne, causing David to flee Jerusalem. 4. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom Ittai invokes to affirm his loyalty, indicating a recognition of divine authority and providence. 5. JerusalemThe city from which David flees during Absalom's rebellion, symbolizing the center of David's kingdom and God's chosen place for His name. Teaching Points Loyalty and CommitmentIttai's pledge to David exemplifies true loyalty, which is not based on convenience but on a deep commitment to a person or cause. As Christians, we are called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Christ, even in challenging circumstances. Faith in ActionIttai's actions show that faith is not merely a belief but is demonstrated through actions. Our faith in God should be evident in our daily decisions and relationships. The Role of OutsidersIttai, a foreigner, plays a crucial role in David's life, reminding us that God often uses unexpected people to fulfill His purposes. We should be open to God's work through diverse individuals in our lives. Covenant RelationshipsThe invocation of the LORD in Ittai's oath underscores the seriousness of covenant relationships. As believers, our commitments to God and others should be made with the same gravity and sincerity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ittai's loyalty to David challenge our understanding of commitment in our relationships with others and with God? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same level of faithfulness to Christ as Ittai did to David, especially in times of trial? 3. How does the account of Ittai encourage us to view the role of "outsiders" or newcomers in our faith communities? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our commitments and promises are made with the seriousness and sincerity that Ittai demonstrated? 5. How can the parallels between Ittai's loyalty and Ruth's commitment to Naomi inspire us in our personal walk with God and our service to others? Connections to Other Scriptures Ruth 1:16-17Ittai's declaration mirrors Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, emphasizing steadfast commitment and faithfulness, even unto death. 1 Samuel 20:3Jonathan's covenant with David, where he invokes the LORD as a witness, parallels Ittai's oath, highlighting the sacredness of such commitments. Matthew 16:24-25Jesus' call to take up the cross and follow Him resonates with Ittai's willingness to follow David, regardless of the cost. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Answereth, Death, Gittite, Ittai, It'tai, Replied, Servant, Surely, Whatever, Wherever, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:21 5523 servants, good
8304 loyalty 2 Samuel 15:19-21 5691 friends, good Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:21 NIV2 Samuel 15:21 NLT2 Samuel 15:21 ESV2 Samuel 15:21 NASB2 Samuel 15:21 KJV
2 Samuel 15:21 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
