2 Samuel 15:20

KJV

Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth [be] with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereas thou camest {H935} but yesterday {H8543}, should I this day {H3117} make thee go {H3212} up and down {H5128}{H5128} with us? seeing I go {H1980} whither I may, return {H7725} thou, and take back {H7725} thy brethren {H251}: mercy {H2617} and truth {H571} be with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

You arrived only yesterday; should I ask you to wander around with us? There's no telling where I may go. Return, and take your kinsmen back with you. Grace and truth be with you."

Berean Standard Bible

In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.”

American Standard Version

Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 15:20, King David, in the throes of Absalom's rebellion and his forced flight from Jerusalem, engages with Ittai the Gittite, a recent Philistine ally. David, demonstrating remarkable humility and compassion amidst his own crisis, expresses concern for Ittai's recent arrival and the uncertain, dangerous path ahead. He offers Ittai the opportunity to return to his homeland with his men, concluding with a profound blessing for God's steadfast love and faithfulness to be with him. This verse highlights David's character as a caring leader and sets the stage for Ittai's remarkable display of loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, detailed in 2 Samuel 15-19. Immediately preceding 2 Samuel 15:20, David has fled Jerusalem, accompanied by his loyal household and guards. Verses 18-19 specifically introduce Ittai the Gittite and his 600 men, who had followed David from Gath. David's words in verse 20 are a direct response to Ittai's presence, an attempt to dissuade him from joining such a perilous journey. The very next verse, [2 Samuel 15:21](/2_samuel/15-21 "2 Samuel 15:21 - Ittai's Unwavering Loyalty"), records Ittai's powerful declaration of unwavering loyalty, setting up his significant role in the ensuing conflict and demonstrating the profound impact of David's compassionate leadership. This exchange underscores the theme of true devotion amidst widespread betrayal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is a full-blown coup d'état by Absalom, David's son, which forced David to abandon his capital, Jerusalem, in a desperate flight. This was a moment of extreme vulnerability and humiliation for the king. Ittai is identified as a "Gittite," meaning he was from Gath, a prominent Philistine city. Philistines were traditionally enemies of Israel, making Ittai's loyalty to David particularly striking. It's possible Ittai and his men were mercenaries or foreign residents who had recently pledged allegiance to David, perhaps as part of his personal guard, known to include foreign elements (e.g., the Cherethites and Pelethites). David's concern for Ittai's recent arrival ("camest but yesterday") reflects the cultural understanding of guest-host relationships and the burden of imposing hardship on a new ally, especially one from a traditionally hostile background.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, **Loyalty and Disloyalty** are central, contrasting Absalom's betrayal with Ittai's surprising steadfastness. David's words test Ittai's commitment, revealing the depth of his devotion in [2 Samuel 15:21](/2_samuel/15-21 "2 Samuel 15:21 - Ittai's Declaration of Loyalty"). Secondly, **Compassionate Leadership** is evident in David's concern for Ittai's welfare, prioritizing his new ally's safety over his own immediate need for more followers. This contrasts sharply with the self-serving ambition of Absalom. Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Providence Amidst Chaos** subtly undergirds David's acknowledgment of his uncertain path ("I go whither I may"), hinting at a reliance on God's leading even in exile. Finally, the blessing of "mercy and truth" introduces the profound theological concept of God's **Covenant Faithfulness** (*hesed* and *emet*), which David invokes for Ittai, reflecting a core attribute of God's character as seen throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, such as [Psalm 89:14](/psalm/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of Your Throne").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yesterday (Hebrew, _t'mol'_):** This adverb literally means "yesterday" or "recently." In this context, it emphasizes the very short duration of Ittai's association with David. It highlights that Ittai is a newcomer, not a long-standing loyalist, which makes his subsequent decision to stay even more remarkable. David uses it to underscore the lack of obligation Ittai has to share in his current severe misfortune.
* **Whither I may (Hebrew, _asher elakh'_):** This phrase conveys David's profound uncertainty about his immediate future. It literally means "where I will go" or "where I can go." It's not a statement of a clear destination but rather an admission of being on the run, without a fixed refuge or a guaranteed outcome. This vulnerability from a king is striking and adds weight to his compassionate plea to Ittai.
* **Mercy and truth (Hebrew, _chesed v'emet'_):** This is a powerful Hebrew hendiadys, often appearing together to describe God's character and covenant dealings.
* ***Chesed*** (חֶסֶד): A rich theological term signifying loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, and enduring grace. It denotes a commitment that goes beyond mere obligation, rooted in relationship.
* ***Emet*** (אֱמֶת): Means truth, faithfulness, reliability, or firmness. It speaks to integrity, consistency, and dependability.
When combined, *chesed v'emet* expresses a comprehensive divine goodness that is both loving and utterly trustworthy, embodying God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. David's blessing invokes these very attributes upon Ittai.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday":** David acknowledges Ittai's very recent arrival and allegiance. This sets up the premise for David's argument: Ittai has not been with him long enough to be bound by the deep loyalty that might compel others to share in such a dire predicament. It highlights Ittai's status as a relatively new convert or ally.
* **"should I this day make thee go up and down with us?":** This is a rhetorical question expressing David's reluctance to impose his current, arduous, and uncertain journey on Ittai. "Go up and down" vividly describes the nomadic, dangerous, and unsettled life of an exile. David is questioning the fairness and wisdom of forcing a new ally into such hardship, demonstrating his compassionate concern.
* **"seeing I go whither I may":** David openly admits his own precarious and uncertain situation. He has no fixed destination or plan, only the necessity of fleeing from Absalom. This confession of vulnerability from a king is remarkable and underscores the gravity of his plight, further justifying his desire to spare Ittai.
* **"return thou, and take back thy brethren":** David explicitly instructs Ittai to go back, not just for himself but also for his 600 men. This shows David's concern extends beyond Ittai to his entire contingent, emphasizing his protective leadership. It's an act of genuine selflessness, offering Ittai a way out of a dangerous situation.
* **"mercy and truth [be] with thee":** This is a profound blessing, invoking God's steadfast love and faithfulness upon Ittai. It's not merely a wish for good fortune, but a prayer for the divine attributes of *chesed* (loyal love, covenant faithfulness) and *emet* (truth, reliability) to accompany and protect Ittai, regardless of his choice. It underscores David's deep spiritual nature and his desire for God's goodness to follow Ittai.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. David's initial query, **Rhetorical Question** ("should I this day make thee go up and down with us?"), serves not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the unreasonableness of his imposing such a burden on a recent ally, thereby highlighting his own compassionate character. There is an element of **Irony** in David, a king in flight, showing such concern for a foreign mercenary, while his own son betrays him. The phrase "go up and down" is an effective **Idiom** or vivid imagery, depicting the arduous and unsettled life of an exile. The culminating phrase, "mercy and truth [be] with thee," functions as a powerful **Benediction** or blessing, invoking divine favor and embodying a deep theological concept. This **Contrast** between David's desperate situation and his selfless concern for Ittai, culminating in a spiritual blessing, underscores the moral and spiritual depth of David's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich in theological implications. David's blessing of "mercy and truth" (Hebrew: *chesed v'emet*) is a profound invocation of God's character. These two attributes are frequently paired in the Old Testament to describe the Lord's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His people. David, in his moment of greatest vulnerability, extends this divine blessing to a foreigner, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of compassion and a recognition that God's *hesed* and *emet* are not limited to Israel alone. It also highlights the theme of true loyalty, which, when divinely inspired, can transcend ethnic and national boundaries, foreshadowing God's universal plan of salvation. David's willingness to release Ittai from obligation, even when he desperately needed support, reflects a leadership principle rooted in selfless love rather than self-preservation, trusting in God's ultimate provision.

* [Psalm 25:10](/psalm/25-10 "Psalm 25:10 - All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth")
* [Proverbs 3:3](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3 - Let not mercy and truth forsake thee")
* [Genesis 24:27](/genesis/24-27 "Genesis 24:27 - Abraham's servant praises God's mercy and truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's interaction with Ittai offers timeless lessons on leadership, compassion, and the nature of true commitment. In moments of personal crisis, it is easy to become self-absorbed and demand loyalty from all quarters. Yet, David, despite being a king in exile, demonstrates profound empathy and selflessness. He prioritizes Ittai's well-being, offering him freedom from an uncertain and dangerous path. This challenges us to consider how we lead and interact with others, especially those who are new or vulnerable. Do we exploit their potential loyalty for our own benefit, or do we genuinely seek their good, even at our own perceived cost? Furthermore, David's blessing of "mercy and truth" reminds us of the power of invoking divine attributes over others. Even when we cannot control circumstances, we can extend grace, pray for God's steadfast love and faithfulness to be with those we encounter, and trust that God's *chesed* and *emet* will guide their paths. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that truly cares for the welfare of others, reflecting God's own character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's concern for Ittai challenge your understanding of leadership, especially during personal or organizational crises?**
* **In what ways can you, like David, extend genuine compassion and selfless consideration to new or vulnerable individuals in your sphere of influence?**
* **What does it mean to bless someone with "mercy and truth" in a practical sense today, and how can you incorporate this into your interactions?**
* **How does Ittai's subsequent loyalty (as seen in the next verse) inspire you to consider the impact of compassionate leadership on fostering true devotion?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Ittai was a Philistine from Gath, a city traditionally hostile to Israel. His presence is significant because he was a foreigner, a "newcomer" ("camest but yesterday"), who had recently pledged allegiance to David. His decision to remain loyal to David, despite David's explicit offer for him to return and avoid the perils of exile, highlights an extraordinary act of devotion that transcends ethnic and national boundaries. It underscores that true loyalty can be found in unexpected places, contrasting sharply with the betrayal David experienced from his own son and many Israelites.

**Why did David offer Ittai the option to return? Was he testing Ittai's loyalty?**

Answer: While David's words did serve as a test, his primary motivation appears to be genuine compassion and humility. He acknowledges Ittai's recent arrival and the lack of obligation Ittai has to share in his desperate flight. David, admitting his own uncertain future ("I go whither I may"), doesn't want to impose such hardship on a new ally, especially one who is a foreigner. It was an act of selfless leadership, prioritizing Ittai's well-being over his own immediate need for more followers. This compassionate offer, rather than a manipulative test, likely solidified Ittai's profound respect and loyalty.

**What is the deeper meaning of "mercy and truth" in David's blessing?**

Answer: "Mercy and truth" translates the Hebrew *chesed v'emet*, a profound theological phrase that describes God's character and His covenant faithfulness. *Chesed* signifies loyal love, steadfast kindness, and covenant fidelity, while *emet* means truth, faithfulness, and reliability. When paired, they represent God's comprehensive goodness—His unwavering, dependable, and loving commitment. By invoking "mercy and truth," David is not just wishing Ittai good fortune, but praying for God's steadfast, covenantal love and faithfulness to accompany and protect him, whether he returns to Gath or remains with David. It's a recognition that true security and blessing come from God's enduring character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's compassionate interaction with Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner and recent ally, profoundly foreshadows the inclusive and self-sacrificial nature of Christ's kingdom. David, a king in exile, offers grace and freedom to one not obligated to him, culminating in a blessing of "mercy and truth." This mirrors Jesus, the true King, who, though "he had no place to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head")), offers ultimate "mercy and truth" to all who come to Him. Christ embodies *chesed* (steadfast love) in His willingness to lay down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")) and even for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Shows His Love for Us")). He is the "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) who faithfully fulfills all God's promises. Ittai, a Gentile, chooses to follow David, mirroring the countless Gentiles who, drawn by Christ's radical love and truth, abandon their former allegiances to become part of God's family, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Just as David's compassion elicited Ittai's unwavering loyalty, so too does Christ's ultimate sacrifice and welcoming grace inspire a devotion that transcends all earthly ties, calling us to follow Him "wherever [He] may go" ([Luke 9:57-58](/luke/9-57-58 "Luke 9:57-58 - Following Jesus")).

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

1 Samuel 23:13

Then David and his men, [which were] about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.

2 Samuel 2:6

And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Hebrews 11:38

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.

Psalms 89:14

Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

2 Timothy 1:16

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: