2 Samuel 15:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home.

NIV: The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.

NASB: Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, 'Why should you go with us too? Return and stay with your king, since you are a foreigner and an exile as well; return to your own place.

CSB: The king said to Ittai of Gath, "Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

NLT: Then the king turned and said to Ittai, a leader of the men from Gath, 'Why are you coming with us? Go on back to King Absalom, for you are a guest in Israel, a foreigner in exile.

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.

NKJV: Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king. For you are a foreigner and also an exile from your own place.

David stands near the gate of Jerusalem, reviewing and taking note of all who are fleeing from Absalom with him. The number includes the Cherethites and Pelethites: his personal bodyguard of loyal mercenary soldiers (2 Samuel 8:18; 15:18). It also includes 600 fighters from Gath.

All three groups are apparently Philistines, but David has the most history with Gath. After David first ran from Saul, he tried to disguise himself and hide in Gath. When the king's servants recognized him, he acted like a madman until they threw him out (1 Samuel 21:10–15). After years of fleeing Saul—and proving his relationship with the Israelite king was well and truly broken—Achish, the king of Gath, agreed to be David's patron and even gave him a city. David fought Israel's enemies, destroying their towns, while letting Achish think he was warring against cities in Judah (1 Samuel 27). After Saul died and David became king, he fought and conquered Gath (1 Chronicles 18:1).

The text doesn't say how David met Ittai or how Ittai agreed to fight for David. It does say their relationship is relatively new. As Ittai and his men approach, David stops them. He expects no loyalty, and he likely doesn't have the money to pay Ittai's men. David knows Absalom's rebellion is God's judgment for his sin against Uriah (2 Samuel 12:11), and he doesn't know what's going to happen. He pushes Ittai to stay and serve Absalom (2 Samuel 15:20).

Ittai flatly refuses. He'd rather take his children into exile with David than go back on his word (2 Samuel 15:21–22). That decision saves David. With Ittai, Joab, and Abishai commanding David's remaining army, they're able to defeat Absalom and escort David back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 18).

Second Samuel 15:18–23 recounts how some Gentiles were even more loyal to David than his fellow Israelites. David's son Absalom is marching toward Jerusalem, intent on taking the throne. David and his household are fleeing the city. With them are three Philistine military units who serve David. Even after David urges them to avoid the inevitable war and go home, they stay with him. Much of David's army stays with Absalom (2 Samuel 17:25). Farther on, David will encourage the priests, their sons, and his advisor to stay. He trusts them to either foil Absalom's plans or send warning (2 Samuel 15:24–37).

God's curses against David continue (2 Samuel 12:10–12). David's son Absalom stages a coup. His followers declare him king and escort him to Jerusalem. David and those faithful to him flee the city for the wilderness. He leaves behind two priests, their sons, and an advisor to thwart Absalom's plans. As he travels, David willingly endures every humiliation, not knowing which are from God. Joab kills Absalom, and the kingdom is restored (2 Samuel 16—18). Absalom's betrayal is not recorded in 1 Chronicles.

Second Samuel 15 continues the fulfillment of God's curse on David. As he betrayed his friend Uriah, so someone from David's house will betray him (2 Samuel 12:11). David's son Absalom steals the people's hearts and declares himself king. David and his household flee the city, leaving behind ten concubines and five spies. The spies protect David until Joab can kill Absalom in battle. David is humbled and forgives his enemies (2 Samuel 16—19).