"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. So David said to IttaiThis phrase introduces us to a moment of decision and leadership. David, the anointed king of Israel, is in a period of crisis as he flees from his son Absalom. The name "David" in Hebrew means "beloved," reflecting his status as a man after God's own heart. Ittai, a foreigner from Gath, represents loyalty and faithfulness. The interaction between David and Ittai highlights the theme of divine providence and the gathering of the faithful around God's chosen leader, even in times of turmoil. March on
David's command to "march on" is both literal and symbolic. In Hebrew, the verb used here conveys a sense of moving forward with purpose and determination. This command reflects David's trust in God's plan despite the immediate danger. It is a call to action, encouraging believers to continue their journey of faith, trusting in God's guidance and protection. The phrase also underscores the importance of obedience and courage in the face of adversity. and Ittai the Gittite marched on
Ittai's response to David's command is immediate and decisive. The term "Gittite" indicates that Ittai is from Gath, a Philistine city, which is significant because it shows that loyalty to God's anointed transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Ittai's willingness to follow David, despite being a foreigner, exemplifies the universal call to follow God's chosen leaders and the unity found in faith. His action is a testament to the power of commitment and the strength found in aligning oneself with God's purposes. with all his men
This phrase emphasizes the collective action and unity of Ittai's followers. The Hebrew word for "men" can also imply warriors or soldiers, indicating that Ittai's loyalty is not just personal but extends to his entire group. This collective movement signifies the strength found in community and the importance of standing together in faith. It serves as an inspiration for believers to support one another and to move forward as a united body in Christ. and the little ones who were with him
The inclusion of "the little ones" highlights the comprehensive nature of Ittai's commitment. It suggests that his loyalty to David involves not just his warriors but also his family and dependents. This detail underscores the idea that faith and allegiance to God's anointed encompass all aspects of life, including the care and protection of the vulnerable. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to lead and protect those entrusted to us, reflecting God's care for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. David's leadership and faith are tested during this time of crisis. 2. Ittai the GittiteA foreigner from Gath who shows loyalty to David. Despite being a newcomer, Ittai chooses to follow David, demonstrating faithfulness and courage. 3. Absalom's RebellionThe backdrop of this event, where Absalom, David's son, has declared himself king, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. 4. The MarchThe act of Ittai and his men, including their families, joining David in his flight, symbolizing loyalty and commitment. 5. GathA Philistine city, indicating Ittai's origins and highlighting the diverse following David had, even among foreigners. Teaching Points Loyalty and CommitmentIttai's decision to follow David despite the risks teaches us about the importance of loyalty and commitment in our relationships and faith journey. Faith in LeadershipDavid's acceptance of Ittai's loyalty reflects the importance of recognizing and valuing the support of others, even those who are new or different from us. Courage in UncertaintyIttai's willingness to march with David into an uncertain future encourages us to trust God and step out in faith, even when the path is unclear. Inclusivity in God's KingdomThe inclusion of Ittai, a foreigner, in David's ranks reminds us that God's kingdom is open to all who choose to follow Him, regardless of their background. Family and FaithThe mention of "the little ones" with Ittai highlights the role of family in our faith journey, encouraging us to lead our families in following God. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Ittai's loyalty to David about our own commitments to leaders and friends in times of crisis? 2. How does Ittai's decision to follow David despite being a foreigner challenge our understanding of inclusivity within the church? 3. In what ways does David's acceptance of Ittai's support reflect how we should respond to those who offer us help? 4. How can Ittai's courage in the face of uncertainty inspire us to trust God in our own uncertain situations? 5. What role does family play in our faith journey, as seen in Ittai's inclusion of "the little ones" in his march with David? How can we apply this to our own family life? Connections to Other Scriptures Ruth 1:16-17Ittai's loyalty to David mirrors Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, showcasing the theme of steadfast devotion. 1 Samuel 22:2David's earlier gathering of a diverse group of followers in the cave of Adullam, illustrating his ability to inspire loyalty among various people. Matthew 8:19-22Jesus' call to His disciples, where He emphasizes the cost of following Him, similar to Ittai's commitment to David. 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 Ahead, David, Families, Forward, Gittite, Infants, Ittai, It'tai, March, Marched, Ones, Pass, Passed, PassethDictionary 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 15:22 NIV2 Samuel 15:22 NLT2 Samuel 15:22 ESV2 Samuel 15:22 NASB2 Samuel 15:22 KJV
2 Samuel 15:22 Commentaries
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