Ittai the Gittite was a Philistine soldier who served King David.
Meeting David[]
While Saul was king of Israel, he sought to kill David. Eventually, David fled to the Philistine city of Gath,[1] where he became a vassal of Achish, king of Gath, and pretended to make himself an enemy of Israel. This continued until Saul died in battle against the Philistines, and David returned to Israel to become king. Six hundred Gittites, including Ittai, who was their leader, followed David from Gath to Israel and served him as soldiers.[2]
Absalom's rebellion[]
When David's son Absalom revolted and attempted to make himself king, Ittai and the Gittites remained loyal to David. As Absalom grew in popularity, David and those loyal to him were forced to flee from Jerusalem. Ittai and the Gittites also took their families and left with David and his men. When David saw the Gittites leaving, he was puzzled and asked Ittai why they were following him, saying that since he was a foreigner who had only recently come to Israel, David did not except him to share in the hardship and flee from Absalom. He suggested that Ittai and the Gittites should return to Jerusalem and serve Absalom, and asked that God would show love and faithfulness to them.[3] Despite David's words, Ittai answered him by professing faith in God, and declaring that he would serve David for death or life, and would go wherever David had to go.[4] Hearing Ittai's response, David allowed him and the Gittites to continue on with him.
Before the battle against Absalom's forces, David divided his army into three divisions, one third under the command of Joab the son of Zeruiah, one third under the command of Joab's brother Abishai, and one third under the command of Ittai.[5] David wanted to go out to battle with the men, but they told him that it would be a strategic mistake, so he remained in the city. Still having love for his son Absalom, David ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to deal gently with Absalom if he was found.[6] In the battle, David's forces defeated the forces of Absalom. Despite the order from the king, when Joab found Absalom he killed him.[7]