Atomic Bible

Gittite commander who remained loyal to David.

Ittai

Named in 6 verses of 2 Samuel, first in 2 Samuel 15:19.

אִתַּיIttai

About Ittai Written by AI

Ittai the Gittite was a commander of six hundred men who remained loyal to King David during the rebellion of his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:19 to 22). Ittai was from Gath, a Philistine city, and had only recently come to join David's forces (2 Samuel 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 (2 Samuel 15:19 to 20). However, Ittai pledged his unwavering loyalty to David, vowing to follow him whether it meant life or death (2 Samuel 15:21). Moved by Ittai's devotion, David allowed him and his men to accompany him (2 Samuel 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 (2 Samuel 18:2). David specifically ordered these commanders to deal gently with Absalom for his sake (2 Samuel 18:5). After Absalom's death, Ittai was among those who heard David's lament for his son (2 Samuel 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.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Ittai, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

Near; timely; or, with the Lord. (1.) A Benjamite, one of David’s thirty heroes (2 Sam. 23:29).

(2.) A native of Gath, a Philistine, who had apparently the command of the six hundred heroes who formed David’s band during his wanderings (2 Sam. 15:19-22; comp. 1 Sam. 23:13; 27:2; 30:9, 10). He is afterwards with David at Mahanaim, holding in the army equal rank with Joab and Abishai (2 Sam. 18:2, 5, 12). He then passes from view.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. 2 Samuel 15:19

    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.

  2. 2 Samuel 15:21

    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!”

  3. 2 Samuel 15:22

    “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.

  4. 2 Samuel 18:2

    He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s 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.”

  5. 2 Samuel 18:5

    Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.

  6. 2 Samuel 18:12

    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.’

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.