Lexical Summary Ittay: Ittai Original Word: אִתַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ithai, Ittai Or tiythay {ee-thah'ee}; from 'eth; near; Ittai or Ithai, the name of a Gittite and of an Israelite -- Ithai, Ittai. see HEBREW 'eth Brown-Driver-Briggs אִתַּי proper name, masculine (perhaps from אֵת with = companionable) — 1 one of David's captains, a native of Gath 2 Samuel 15:19,21,22 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 18:2,5,12. 2 one of David's 30 mighty men, a Benjamite 2 Samuel 23:29 (in 1 Chronicles 11:31 אִתַי). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture The name Ittai (אִתַּי) appears nine times, all within the historical narratives of the United Monarchy period: 2 Samuel 15:19, 21, 22 (twice), 18:2, 5, 12; 2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:31. These references speak of two distinct men whose lives intersected the reign of King David. Ittai the Gittite: A Gentile Champion of the Anointed King A native of Gath, Ittai arrives in Jerusalem late in David’s reign, leading six hundred compatriots who have chosen to serve Israel’s king (2 Samuel 15:19). When Absalom’s coup forces David to flee, the aged monarch gently urges the Philistine commander to remain in the city: “Why should you come with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland” (2 Samuel 15:19). Ittai’s response embodies covenant-loyal love: “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether in death or life, your servant will be there” (2 Samuel 15:21). By pledging fidelity to David’s person rather than to geographical or ethnic ties, the Gittite foreshadows the gathering of the nations to Israel’s ultimate Messiah (Isaiah 11:10; Acts 15:14-18). David quickly elevates Ittai to front-line command. Alongside Joab and Abishai, he leads one-third of the royal forces in the climactic battle of Mahanaim (2 Samuel 18:2). The king’s solemn charge—“Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake” (2 Samuel 18:5)—is delivered not only to Israelite generals but also to this foreigner whose heart beats in sync with David’s. Even Absalom’s would-be slayer cites Ittai’s witness to the king’s command (2 Samuel 18:12). The narrative thus portrays him as a fully trusted guardian of the king’s will. Ittai son of Ribai: A Benjamite Mighty Man Separate from the Gittite stands Ittai (called Ithai in Chronicles) son of Ribai of Gibeah in Benjamin (2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:31). Numbered among “the mighty men whom David had,” he contributes to the elite corps that secured the kingdom during its formative conflicts. Though Scripture records no exploits unique to him, his presence in both Samuel’s and Chronicles’ honor-rolls underscores the unity David forged between Judah and Benjamin, the tribe of Saul. By listing a Benjamite next to heroes from Judah, Ephraim, and the Trans-Jordan, the text testifies to the reconciliation of former rivals under God’s chosen king. Themes of Loyalty and Covenant Faithfulness 1. Voluntary allegiance to God’s anointed. The Gittite abandons Philistine identity for service to David, mirroring Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and prefiguring Gentile inclusion in Christ’s kingdom. Messianic and Ecclesiological Reflections David’s experience with Ittai the Gittite anticipates Jesus Christ, who likewise receives wholehearted allegiance from outsiders while many covenant insiders waver (Matthew 8:10-12). The episode foreshadows the church as one new humanity (Ephesians 2:11-22): foreigners become fellow citizens, entrusted with leadership and bearing the King’s commission into battle against spiritual foes (Ephesians 6:10-17). Lessons for Ministry Application • Authentic faith is proven by steadfast presence, not mere profession. Thus the twin portraits of Ittai exhort every generation to cling to God’s chosen King with unwavering devotion and to embrace the unity He forges among His people. Forms and Transliterations אִיתַ֣י אִתַּ֖י אִתַּ֛י אִתַּ֣י אִתַּ֤י אִתַּי֙ איתי אתי ’î·ṯay ’it·tay ’îṯay ’ittay iTai itTaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 15:19 HEB: הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ אֶל־ אִתַּ֣י הַגִּתִּ֔י לָ֧מָּה NAS: said to Ittai the Gittite, KJV: the king to Ittai the Gittite, INT: the king to Ittai the Gittite Why 2 Samuel 15:21 2 Samuel 15:22 2 Samuel 15:22 2 Samuel 18:2 2 Samuel 18:5 2 Samuel 18:12 2 Samuel 23:29 1 Chronicles 11:31 9 Occurrences |
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