2 Samuel 15:20

2 Samuel 15:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. ”

King James Version KJV

Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

It was only yesterday you came to us; why then am I to make you go up and down with us? for I have to go where I may; go back then, and take your countrymen with you, and may the Lord's mercy and good faith be with you.

Free Bible Version FBV

You only just got here, so why should I make you wander around with us now when I don't even know where I am going? Go back and take your men with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thou camest yesterday, and should I cause thee to wander to day and go with vs? I will goe whither I can: therefore returne thou and cary againe thy brethren: mercy and trueth be with thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Yesterday [is] thy coming in, and to-day I move thee to go with us, and I am going on that which I am going! — turn back, and take back thy brethren with thee, — kindness and truth.'

World English Bible WEB

Whereas you came but yesterday, should I today make you go up and down with us, since I go where I may? Return, and take back your brothers. Mercy and truth be with you.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may; return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Yesterday thou camest, and today shalt thou be forced to go forth with us? but I shall go whither I am going: return thou, and take back thy brethren with thee, and the Lord will shew thee mercy, and truth, because thou hast shewn grace and fidelity.

Translation for Translators T4T

You have lived here in Israel for only a short time [HYP]. And we do not even know where we will be going. So it is not right [RHQ] for me to force you to wander around with us. And take your troops with you. And I hope/wish that Yahweh will faithfully love and be loyal to you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 15:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB תְּמ֣וֹל בּוֹאֶ֗/ךָ וְ/הַ/יּ֞וֹם אנוע/ך אֲנִֽיעֲ/ךָ֤ עִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ לָ/לֶ֔כֶת וַ/אֲנִ֣י הוֹלֵ֔ךְ עַ֥ל אֲשֶׁר אֲנִ֖י הוֹלֵ֑ךְ שׁ֣וּב וְ/הָשֵׁ֧ב אֶת אַחֶ֛י/ךָ עִמָּ֖/ךְ חֶ֥סֶד וֶ/אֱמֶֽת

תְּמ֣וֹל tᵉmôwl H8543 yesterday Adv

בּוֹאֶ֗/ךָ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

וְ/הַ/יּ֞וֹם yôwm H3117 day Conj | Art | N-ms

אנוע/ך nûwaʻ H5128 to shake V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

אֲנִֽיעֲ/ךָ֤ nûwaʻ H5128 to shake V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

עִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

לָ/לֶ֔כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

הוֹלֵ֔ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

הוֹלֵ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2ms

וְ/הָשֵׁ֧ב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אַחֶ֛י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

עִמָּ֖/ךְ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

חֶ֥סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness N-ms

וֶ/אֱמֶֽת ʼemeth H571 truth Conj | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:20

תְּמ֣וֹל tᵉmôwl H8543 "yesterday" Adv

This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.

Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.

בּוֹאֶ֗/ךָ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

וְ/הַ/יּ֞וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

אנוע/ך nûwaʻ H5128 "to shake" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.

אֲנִֽיעֲ/ךָ֤ nûwaʻ H5128 "to shake" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.

עִמָּ֨/נוּ֙ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

לָ/לֶ֔כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

הוֹלֵ֔ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

הוֹלֵ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

וְ/הָשֵׁ֧ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אַחֶ֛י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

עִמָּ֖/ךְ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

חֶ֥סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" N-ms

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

וֶ/אֱמֶֽת ʼemeth H571 "truth" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.

Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 15:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:20
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 15:20
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:20

Context — David Flees Jerusalem

18and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. 19Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland.

20In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. ”

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 will your servant be!” 22“March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 23:13	Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.
2	2 Samuel 2:6	Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
3	John 1:17	For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
4	Hebrews 11:37–38	They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
5	Psalms 59:15	They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
6	Psalms 56:8	You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?
7	Psalms 85:10	Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
8	Psalms 89:14	Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
9	2 Timothy 1:16–18	May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.
10	Proverbs 14:22	Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.

2 Samuel 15:20 Summary

In 2 Samuel 15:20, King David is telling Ittai, a foreigner who has been loyal to him, to go back to his homeland because he doesn't want to put him in harm's way. This shows that King David is a kind and considerate leader, who cares about the well-being of those around him, similar to how God cares for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. King David is also blessing Ittai with the hope that he will experience God's loving devotion and faithfulness, which is a reminder that God is always with us and cares for us deeply, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4. By studying this verse, we can learn more about what it means to show love and kindness to others, and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David tell Ittai to go back to his homeland?

King David told Ittai to go back to his homeland because he was a foreigner and did not want to put him in harm's way, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:20, and he also showed kindness and consideration for Ittai's well-being, similar to how God shows loving devotion and faithfulness to His people, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:9.

What does the phrase 'loving devotion and faithfulness' mean in this context?

The phrase 'loving devotion and faithfulness' refers to God's loyal love and commitment to His people, as seen in Psalm 136:1-3, and King David is blessing Ittai with the hope that he will experience this kind of love and faithfulness from God.

Is King David showing weakness by asking Ittai to leave?

No, King David is actually showing humility and consideration for Ittai's situation, as he acknowledges that Ittai is a foreigner and does not want to put him in a difficult position, which is similar to how Jesus showed humility and compassion towards others, as seen in Matthew 9:36-38.

How does this verse relate to the concept of loyalty and friendship?

This verse highlights the importance of loyalty and friendship, as Ittai is willing to stand by King David despite the uncertainty of their situation, and King David is willing to let Ittai go for his own good, demonstrating a deep sense of trust and commitment, similar to the friendship between David and Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can show loving devotion and faithfulness to those around me, just like King David blessed Ittai?
How can I balance my desire to help others with the need to consider their well-being and safety, like King David did with Ittai?
What are some times in my life when I have experienced God's loving devotion and faithfulness, and how can I share those stories with others to encourage them?
How can I cultivate a sense of humility and compassion, like King David, in my relationships with others?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:20

Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday,.... From Gath, or from an expedition he and his men had been on: should I this day make thee, go up and down with us?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:20

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20

Thou camest but yesterday; by which it may be gathered that these were not the Israelitish soldiers which went with David to Gath, and came up with him from thence to Hebron, which was above thirty years before this time, but some proselytes which came from thence more lately. For though this word yesterday be sometimes used of a time long before past, as @2 Kings 9:26 ; yet it seems to be here restrained to a shorter compass by the following words, and by the argument here used. Go whither I may; I know not whither; having now no certain dwelling-place. Thy brethren; thy countrymen and soldiers the Gittites, . Mercy and truth be with thee; since I am now unable to recompense thy kindness and fidelity to me, my hearty prayer to God is, that he would show to thee his mercy, in blessing thee with all sorts of blessings, and his faithfulness, in making good all those promises which he hath made, not to Israelites only, but in and with them to all true-hearted proselytes, such as thou art.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20

2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth [be] with thee.Ver. 20. Should I this day make thee go up and down with us?] David had need enough of him; but yet would not do anything that had but a show of unwarrantableness in it. Mercy and truth be with thee.] Mercy, the fruit of God’ s faithfulness, covenant kindness. See Psalms 25:10. So Paul prayeth for Onesiphorus. And such prayers could not be ineffectual; for God will gratify his afflicted; they may have even what they will of him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20

Verse 20. Mercy and truth be with thee.] May God ever show thee mercy, as thou showest it to me, and his truth ever preserve thee from error and delusion!

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:20

20. I go whither I may] Not knowing where he might find a home, as in the old days of his flight from Saul. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:13. take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee] The Hebrew as it stands must be rendered: take back thy brethren with thee in mercy and truth: but the true text is probably preserved by the Sept. and Vulg. Take back thy brethren with thee: and the Lord shew thee [or, shall shew thee] mercy and truth: to which some texts of the Vulg. add: because thou hast shewn kindness and faithfulness. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 2:5-6.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 15:20

Thou camest but yesterday - Meaning, “Thou art not a native Israelite, but only a sojourner for a few years, it is not reason therefore that thou shouldst share my calamities.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:20

20. Take back thy brethren — These brethren are not to be regarded as identical with the six hundred Gittites mentioned above, but as a number of Ittai’s fellow-exiles, and perhaps blood relatives,

Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:20

	Sermon	Description
	Enjoying God's Grace - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its opposite, which is law. He emphasizes that when talking about law, it is not referring to secular law, but rathe
	Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie
	Resources for Christian Living by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep and ongoing relationship with God. He warns against becoming complacent or shallow in one's faith and u
	Beatitudes - Part 5 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a man who left behind a life of excess and materialism to live a simpler and more spiritual life. The man finds peace and paradise in a gar
	(The Real Jesus) 3 Jesus Humbled Himself by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the teachings of Jesus rather than just preaching them. He encourages believers to be honest about their own sin
	The Ark of the Covenant: In God’s Sanctuary Part I by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the combination of grace and truth found in Jesus. He refers to John 1:17, which states that while the law came through Mo
	Am I Committed? by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of confusion in our culture and compromise within the church. He emphasizes that the Bible is clear on matters of faith and challeng