Ittai from Gath was a Philistine warrior who joined King David and showed remarkable loyalty when David fled from his son Absalom. Despite being a foreigner and newcomer, he refused to leave David in his darkest hour. He was entrusted with command of one-third of David's army in the decisive battle against Absalom's rebellion.
Schlüsselereignisse
Ittai follows David during the flight from Absalom
When David fled Jerusalem because of Absalom's rebellion, he tried to send Ittai back, but Ittai swore loyalty and insisted on following the king no matter what awaited.
19The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with the king. You are a foreigner, an exile from your own land.
20You came only yesterday. Should I make you wander with us today, when I am going wherever I can? Go back, and take your countrymen with you, and may steadfast love and faithfulness go with you.
21But 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 your servant will be."
2He sent the army out in three divisions: a third under Joab, a third under Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you."
Before the battle, David ordered his three commanders, including Ittai, to treat the young Absalom gently, demonstrating the trust David placed in Ittai.
5The king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the troops heard the king give this order to all the commanders concerning Absalom.
Ittai took part in the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim where Absalom's forces were defeated and the rebellion crushed, securing David's return to the throne.