2 Samuel 15:19

KJV

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} the king {H4428} to Ittai {H863} the Gittite {H1663}, Wherefore goest {H3212} thou also with us? return {H7725} to thy place {H4725}, and abide {H3427} with the king {H4428}: for thou art a stranger {H5237}, and also an exile {H1540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king said to Ittai the Gitti, "You too? Why are you going with us? Go back, and stay with your king, since you are both a foreigner and in exile from your own place.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile; return to thine own place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
As King David flees Jerusalem in the throes of Absalom's rebellion, he encounters Ittai the Gittite, a Philistine mercenary chieftain who, with his men, has recently joined David's service. David, in a moment of profound personal crisis and compassionate concern, questions Ittai's decision to accompany him into exile, urging him to return to Jerusalem and align himself with the new, usurping king, Absalom. David's counsel is rooted in Ittai's vulnerable status as a "stranger" and "exile," suggesting it would be pragmatic for him to avoid the perilous fate of a king in flight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). Having successfully won the hearts of Israel and launched a coup from Hebron ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom's Conspiracy")), Absalom's forces are now poised to take Jerusalem. David, choosing to avoid bloodshed within the city, makes the painful decision to flee with his loyalists ([2 Samuel 15:13-18](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-18 - David Flees Jerusalem")). As they depart Jerusalem, likely crossing the Kidron Valley towards the wilderness, David encounters Ittai and his men. This interaction immediately precedes Ittai's powerful declaration of unwavering loyalty in [2 Samuel 15:21-22](/2_samuel/15-21 "2 Samuel 15:21-22 - Ittai's Vow of Loyalty"), setting the stage for his significant role in David's subsequent military actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's flight from Jerusalem underscores the fragile nature of kingship in ancient Israel, often dependent on divine favor and popular support. The mention of Ittai as a "Gittite" is highly significant; Gath was a prominent Philistine city, traditionally an enemy of Israel (e.g., Goliath was from Gath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). For a Philistine chieftain to be serving David indicates a complex political landscape and David's willingness to employ foreign mercenaries, a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings. The terms "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*) and "exile" (Hebrew: *toshav*) refer to a resident alien and a temporary sojourner, respectively. In Israelite society, *gerim* were afforded certain protections under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treatment of the Sojourner")), but their loyalty could be questioned, especially in times of internal strife. David's suggestion for Ittai to "abide with the king" implies Absalom, who now occupied the throne in Jerusalem, highlighting the pragmatic, albeit cynical, reality of shifting allegiances during a coup.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it highlights **compassionate leadership** in David, who, despite his own profound distress and the imminent threat to his life and kingdom, prioritizes the well-being of a foreign ally. This contrasts sharply with Absalom's ruthless ambition and self-interest. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **unexpected loyalty**, as Ittai, an outsider from a hostile nation, demonstrates a devotion that many of David's own people lacked. This foreshadows Ittai's steadfastness and eventual integral role in David's army ([2 Samuel 18:2](/2_samuel/18-2 "2 Samuel 18:2 - Ittai Commands a Third of David's Army")). Finally, the verse touches upon the **status of the foreigner** and the ethical implications of their integration into Israelite society. It raises questions about where true allegiance lies and whether it is bound by nationality or deeper moral commitments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gittite (Hebrew, _Gittī_):** This term identifies Ittai as originating from Gath, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. The Philistines were long-standing, formidable enemies of Israel, often engaging in fierce battles ([1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured")). That a chieftain from such a city would be a loyal follower of David is remarkable, underscoring the unusual nature of Ittai's allegiance and David's expansive influence.
* **stranger (Hebrew, _gēr_):** This word denotes a resident alien or sojourner who has left their native land to dwell among another people. While not a native Israelite, a *ger* was often a protected class under Mosaic Law, entitled to certain rights and compassion ([Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God Loves the Sojourner")). David uses this term to emphasize Ittai's lack of inherent ties to the Israelite kingdom, making his involvement in an internal conflict particularly precarious.
* **exile (Hebrew, _tōšāv_):** This term is closely related to *ger* and signifies a temporary inhabitant or sojourner, someone who does not possess permanent land rights or full citizenship. David uses both terms to underscore Ittai's vulnerable and transient status, suggesting he has no vested interest in David's personal struggle and would be wiser to seek stability under the new regime.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite":** This introduces the speaker, David, identified by his royal title ("the king"), even in his moment of flight and vulnerability. The recipient, Ittai, is immediately identified by his foreign origin, highlighting his unique position among David's loyalists.
* **"Wherefore goest thou also with us?":** This is a rhetorical question posed by David, not out of ignorance, but out of concern and perhaps a test of Ittai's commitment. David is essentially asking, "Why are you, a foreigner with no obligation, choosing to share in my perilous fate?" It conveys David's awareness of Ittai's precarious position.
* **"return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.":** David's counsel is both pragmatic and compassionate. "Thy place" refers to Jerusalem, where Ittai had established himself. "The king" here refers to Absalom, who had seized control of the city. David suggests Ittai should return to the capital and align himself with the new, reigning power for his own safety and benefit. The reasoning given—Ittai's status as a "stranger" and "exile"—underscores that he has no inherent national or dynastic loyalty to David's personal cause, making his continued presence seemingly illogical from a human perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. David's initial query, **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore goest thou also with us?"), serves not to elicit information but to underscore the unusual nature of Ittai's loyalty and to give Ittai an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment. There is profound **Irony** in this scene: David, the legitimate king, is in exile, while his rebellious son occupies the throne. Furthermore, a Philistine, a traditional enemy, demonstrates unwavering loyalty, contrasting sharply with the disloyalty of many Israelites, including David's own son. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the loyalty of an outsider and the treachery of an insider. The dialogue also serves as powerful **Characterization**, revealing David's compassionate heart and his concern for others even in his deepest distress, while simultaneously setting the stage for Ittai's remarkable declaration of faithfulness, which immediately follows this verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter between David and Ittai provides a profound theological lesson on the nature of true loyalty and God's surprising ways of raising up allies. It demonstrates that faithfulness to God and His anointed can transcend ethnic, national, or even familial boundaries. David's compassionate concern for Ittai, an outsider, reflects a divine principle of caring for the vulnerable and the sojourner, a theme often emphasized in the Law and Prophets. It also highlights the idea that God can use the most unexpected individuals—even those from traditionally hostile backgrounds—to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His faithfulness, often shaming those who should have been loyal but proved faithless.

* [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty")
* [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treatment of the Sojourner")
* [Matthew 8:10-12](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10-12 - Faith of the Centurion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Ittai the Gittite challenges us to examine the depth and source of our own loyalties. In moments of crisis, when following Christ might lead to personal cost or discomfort, do we, like Ittai, choose unwavering commitment, or do we seek the path of least resistance or greatest perceived security? David's example also serves as a powerful reminder for leaders, and indeed all believers, to extend compassion and consideration to those who are new, vulnerable, or seemingly "outsiders" in our communities. True leadership, mirroring God's heart, is not merely about self-preservation but about genuine care for others, even when one's own world is falling apart. Ittai's story encourages us to recognize that God often raises up faithful allies from the most unexpected places, reminding us that His kingdom is not bound by human distinctions or conventional expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Ittai's initial presence with David, despite his "stranger" status, teach us about unexpected alliances in God's plan?**
* **How does David's compassionate concern for Ittai, even in his own distress, challenge our understanding of leadership and self-preservation?**
* **In what ways might we, as "strangers and exiles" in this world, be called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Christ, even when it is costly or counter-cultural?**

### FAQ

**Who was Ittai the Gittite, and why is his loyalty so significant?**

Answer: Ittai the Gittite was a Philistine chieftain from Gath, a city traditionally hostile to Israel. He had recently joined David's service with his 600 men. His loyalty is highly significant because, as a "stranger" and "exile" (a foreigner with no inherent national or familial ties to David's kingdom), he had every pragmatic reason to abandon David during his flight from Absalom's rebellion. Yet, in [2 Samuel 15:21](/2_samuel/15-21 "2 Samuel 15:21 - Ittai's Declaration of Loyalty"), Ittai famously declares his unwavering commitment to David, vowing to follow him "wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life." This extraordinary devotion from an outsider highlights a profound spiritual truth: true faithfulness can transcend conventional boundaries and often shames the disloyalty of those who should have been most committed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between David and Ittai the Gittite beautifully foreshadows the Christ who welcomes outsiders and inspires radical loyalty. Just as David, the anointed king, found himself a "stranger" and "exile" fleeing his own kingdom, so too did Christ, the true King, become a sojourner on earth, "having nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). He was ultimately rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), enduring a greater "exile" on the cross to secure salvation for all. Yet, it is precisely to this "exiled" King that people from every nation, like Ittai the Gittite, are called to pledge their ultimate allegiance. The New Testament teaches that believers are "strangers and exiles" in this world ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")), whose true citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Our loyalty to Christ, like Ittai's to David, is not based on earthly ties or pragmatic self-interest, but on a profound, Spirit-wrought devotion to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")). He welcomes all, regardless of their past or origin, into His kingdom, transforming them from strangers into beloved children and co-heirs ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 18:2

And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

Ruth 1:11

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Ruth 1:13

Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.