Ittai

AI summary: Ittai matters because the cross references present him as one of the clearest examples of covenant-like loyalty in David's darkest political hour. When David offers him the chance to turn back, Ittai instead binds himself to the king in language of life and death, then receives command responsibility in the coming battle. His foreign birth only sharpens the moral contrast with Israel's internal betrayal. Taken together, the material presents Ittai as a faithful outsider whose allegiance strengthens David when his own kingdom is divided.¹

A native of Gath, a Philistine, who had apparently the command of the six hundred heroes who formed David’s band during his wanderings (2 Sam. 15:19-22; comp. 1 Sam. 23:13; 27:2; 30:9, 10). He is afterwards with David at Mahanaim, holding in the army equal rank with Joab and Abishai (2 Sam. 18:2, 5, 12). He then passes from view. ³