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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Loyalty: Ittai</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/l/loyalty--ittai.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_samuel/15-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/l/loyalty.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Loyalty</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--israelites.htm" title="Loyalty: Israelites">◄</a> Loyalty: Ittai <a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--jehoiada.htm" title="Loyalty: Jehoiada">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Ittai the Gittite is a notable figure in the Old Testament, exemplifying the virtue of loyalty. His account is primarily found in the book of 2 Samuel, during the tumultuous period of King David's reign. Ittai's unwavering allegiance to David during a time of crisis highlights the profound impact of loyalty and faithfulness.<br><br><b>Background and Context</b><br><br>Ittai was a Gittite, meaning he hailed from Gath, a Philistine city. Despite his foreign origin, Ittai became a devoted follower of King David. His loyalty is most prominently displayed during Absalom's rebellion, a critical moment in David's life when his son sought to usurp the throne.<br><br><b>Biblical Account</b><br><br>The narrative of Ittai's loyalty is found in <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">2 Samuel 15</a>. As David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's advancing forces, he encountered Ittai and his men. David, recognizing Ittai's recent arrival and foreign status, offered him the opportunity to return to his homeland rather than face the uncertainties of the conflict. David said to Ittai:<br><br><i>"Why should you come with us? Go back and stay with the new king, for you are a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. You arrived only yesterday, and today shall I make you wander with us, while I go wherever I please? Go back, and take your brothers with you. May loving devotion and faithfulness be with you."</i> (<a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-20</a>)<br><br>Ittai's response is a profound declaration of loyalty:<br><br><i>"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, there will your servant be!"</i> (<a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a>)<br><br>This pledge of allegiance is reminiscent of the covenantal loyalty seen in other biblical relationships, such as Ruth's commitment to Naomi. Ittai's words reflect a deep personal commitment not only to David as a leader but also to the God whom David served.<br><br><b>Role and Significance</b><br><br>Ittai's loyalty was not merely verbal; he actively participated in David's military campaigns. He was entrusted with command over a third of David's forces during the battle against Absalom's army (<a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2</a>). This trust underscores the depth of Ittai's commitment and the confidence David placed in him.<br><br>Ittai's loyalty serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and devotion. His actions demonstrate that true loyalty transcends cultural and national boundaries, rooted instead in personal conviction and commitment to righteous leadership. Ittai's account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitments, even in the face of adversity.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, Ittai's loyalty can be seen as a reflection of the believer's call to faithfulness to God and His anointed leaders. His account illustrates the importance of standing firm in one's commitments, regardless of external pressures or personal risk. Ittai's allegiance to David, despite being a foreigner, also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, a theme that finds its fulfillment in the New Testament.<br><br>In summary, Ittai the Gittite stands as a testament to the enduring power of loyalty. His unwavering support for King David during a time of great personal and national crisis serves as an enduring model of faithfulness and devotion for all believers.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">2 Samuel 15:21</a></span><br>And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will your servant be.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/ittai_of_gath.htm"><span class="l"><b>Ittai</b> of Gath</span></a> <br><b>...</b> David's heart is touched and warmed by their outspoken <b>loyalty</b>; he yields and accepts<br> their service. <b>Ittai</b> and his noble six hundred tramp on, out of our sight <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ittai of gath.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_26_1880/loyal_to_the_core.htm"><span class="l">Loyal to the Core</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Your <b>loyalty</b> shall be proven to your own eternal glory. Ye are soldiers such as<br> He loves to honor. <b>Ittai</b> gave himself up wholly to David when he was but newly <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/loyal to the core.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-loyalty.html">What does the Bible say about loyalty? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Ruth-and-Naomi.html">What can we learn from Ruth's loyalty to Naomi? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-manipulation.html">What is spiritual manipulation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/loyalty.htm">Loyalty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/loyalty.htm">Loyalty</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--barzillai.htm">Loyalty: Barzillai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--david.htm">Loyalty: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--david's_soldiers.htm">Loyalty: David's Soldiers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--disloyalty.htm">Loyalty: Disloyalty</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--enforced.htm">Loyalty: Enforced</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--enjoined.htm">Loyalty: Enjoined</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--hushai.htm">Loyalty: Hushai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--israelites.htm">Loyalty: Israelites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--ittai.htm">Loyalty: Ittai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--jehoiada.htm">Loyalty: Jehoiada</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--joab.htm">Loyalty: Joab</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--mordecai.htm">Loyalty: Mordecai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/l/loyalty--uriah.htm">Loyalty: Uriah</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/josiah.htm">Josiah (51 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fidelity.htm">Fidelity (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rhodes.htm">Rhodes (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/allegiance.htm">Allegiance (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amon.htm">Amon (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adonijah.htm">Adonijah (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philippians.htm">Philippians (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loyally.htm">Loyally (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anem.htm">Anem (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab (128 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben (73 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sermon.htm">Sermon (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/persecution.htm">Persecution (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/y/year.htm">Year (4027 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zophar.htm">Zophar (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/necklace.htm">Necklace (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/neapolis.htm">Neapolis (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/neco.htm">Neco (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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