2 Samuel 15:21

2 Samuel 15:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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!”

King James Version KJV

And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

American Standard Version ASV

And Ittai answered the king, and said, As Jehovah liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Ittai the Gittite in answer said, By the living Lord, and by the life of my lord the king, in whatever place my lord the king may be, for life or death, there will your servant be.

Free Bible Version FBV

But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as Your Majesty lives, wherever Your Majesty may be, whether dead or alive, that's where your servant will be!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ittai answered the King, and sayde, As the Lord liueth, and as my lord the King liueth, in what place my lord the King shalbe, whether in death or life, euen there surely will thy seruant bee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Ittai answereth the king and saith, 'Jehovah liveth, and my lord the king liveth, surely in the place where my lord the king is — if for death, if for life, surely there is thy servant.'

World English Bible WEB

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 is, whether for death or for life, your servant will be there also.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Ethai answered the king, saying: As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth: in what place soever thou shalt be, my lord, O king, either in death, or in life, there will thy servant be.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Ittai replied, “Your Majesty, as surely as you live, wherever you go, I will go; I will stay with you, whether they kill me or allow me to live.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:21

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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּ֧עַן אִתַּ֛י אֶת הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר חַי יְהוָ֗ה וְ/חֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣/י הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ כִּ֠י אִם בִּ/מְק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽהְיֶה שָּׁ֣ם אֲדֹנִ֣/י הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ אִם לְ/מָ֨וֶת֙ אִם לְ/חַיִּ֔ים כִּי שָׁ֖ם יִהְיֶ֥ה עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ

וַ/יַּ֧עַן ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אִתַּ֛י ʼIttay H863 Ittai N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

חַי chay H2416 alive Adj

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/חֵי֙ chay H2416 alive Conj | N-cs

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 for Conj

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

בִּ/מְק֞וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

שָּׁ֣ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

לְ/מָ֨וֶת֙ mâveth H4194 death Prep | N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

לְ/חַיִּ֔ים chay H2416 alive Prep | N-mp

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:21

וַ/יַּ֧עַן ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

אִתַּ֛י ʼIttay H863 "Ittai" N-proper

Ittai was a powerful warrior in King David's army, known for his bravery and strength. His name means 'with me' and he was a loyal companion to David. He's mentioned in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.29; son of: Ribai (H7380); also called Ithai at 1Ch.11.31; § Ittai or Ithai = "with me" 1) a Gittite commander from Gath in David's army 2) one of David's 30 mighty warriors, a Benjamite

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ithai, Ittai. See also: 2 Samuel 15:19; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 11:31.

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.

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

חַי chay H2416 "alive" Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/חֵי֙ chay H2416 "alive" Conj | N-cs

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

בִּ/מְק֞וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

שָּׁ֣ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֲדֹנִ֣/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

לְ/מָ֨וֶת֙ mâveth H4194 "death" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.

Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

לְ/חַיִּ֔ים chay H2416 "alive" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 15:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:21
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:21
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:21
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:21
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:21

Context — David Flees Jerusalem

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. 23Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ruth 1:16–17	But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”
2	Proverbs 17:17	A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
3	2 Kings 4:30	And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.
4	Acts 11:23	When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
5	2 Kings 2:6	And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
6	Proverbs 18:24	A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
7	2 Corinthians 7:3	I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.
8	2 Kings 2:2	and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
9	Acts 21:13	Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
10	2 Kings 2:4	And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.

2 Samuel 15:21 Summary

[This verse shows us what it means to be truly loyal and committed to someone, just like Ittai was to King David. Ittai promised to follow the king 'wherever he may be, whether it means life or death' (2 Samuel 15:21), which is similar to the kind of devotion Jesus calls us to in Matthew 16:24-25. This kind of loyalty is rooted in trust and commitment, and it's something we can learn to apply in our own relationships with God and with others. By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, like Ittai trusted in the LORD and the king, we can demonstrate loyalty and commitment in our own lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated Ittai to remain loyal to King David?

Ittai's loyalty was rooted in his trust in God and his commitment to the king, as seen in his statement 'As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives' (2 Samuel 15:21), similar to Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17.

Why did King David try to persuade Ittai to return to his homeland?

King David attempted to persuade Ittai to return because he was a foreigner and an exile, and David did not want to put him in harm's way, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:19-20, demonstrating David's care for Ittai's well-being.

What can we learn from Ittai's response to King David?

Ittai's response teaches us about the importance of loyalty, trust, and commitment, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in his willingness to follow the king 'whether it means life or death' (2 Samuel 15:21), reflecting the same kind of devotion Jesus calls us to in Matthew 16:24-25.

How does Ittai's loyalty relate to our relationship with God?

Ittai's loyalty to King David can be seen as a reflection of our loyalty to God, as we are called to follow Him 'wherever He may lead' (Romans 8:14), trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, just as Ittai trusted in the LORD and the king.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty to God and to those He has placed in my life, just as Ittai demonstrated loyalty to King David?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, like Ittai and King David?
What are some areas where I may be tempted to abandon my commitment to God or to others, and how can I stand firm in my loyalty, like Ittai?
In what ways can I show appreciation and care for those who have been loyal to me, just as King David showed care for Ittai?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:21

And Ittai answered the king, and said,.... With an oath, as follows: [as] the Lord liveth, and [as] my lord the king liveth; which he took to confirm what he after says, and to put an end to the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:21

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.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:21

2 Samuel 15:21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.Ver. 21. Even there also will thy servant be.] Such fast and faithful friends are gone on pilgrimage; and their return is uncertain.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:21

21. Ittai answered] Compare Ruth’s answer to her mother-in-law (Rth 1:16-17).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:21

21. Ittai answered — This answer, so solemn and so full of loyalty to David, won for him such a place in the king’s heart that he subsequently advanced him to the command of a third part of his army,

Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:21

	Sermon	Description
	Three Keys to Spiritual Victory by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fighting for souls and standing against evil. He encourages believers to fight for their loved ones through prayer, even w
	Ruth by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of
	The Book of Ruth #3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ruth and the importance of faith. He highlights how Ruth's faith led to immense blessings in her life, including being in the di
	The Lordship of Christ by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of making a total commitment to God. He references the story of Ruth from the book of Ruth in the Bible. The preacher highlig
	(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
	Writings by William MacDonald	The video is a sermon on the preaching of the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of using short sentences and words, varying sentence patterns, and incorporating human inter
	Drop Your Sack by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker challenges believers to examine their lives and the evidence they present as members of the bride of Christ. He questions whether their lives reflect th