Ittai’s Devotion

Serving – December 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Ittai’s Devotion

“And Ittai answered the king ... surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.” —2 Samuel 15:21 KJV

Like a burning torch on a dark night, Ittai’s devotion to David shines brightly in a troubling scene. David’s reign over Israel seemed to crumble suddenly as his son, Absalom, staged a successful coup, having stolen the hearts of the men of Israel. Even his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, had tied his future to the rising star of Absalom.

That is what makes Ittai’s devotion so amazing! David had been rejected by his people. Allegiance to Absalom was definitely the popular thing to have. In addition, Ittai came from Gath, the city of David’s enemies including Goliath. Ittai had known David only a short time, and David put no pressure on him to become his servant. In fact, David encouraged him to go where things seemed easier (vv.19-20).

But Ittai would not be turned aside from following David. His wholehearted expression of devotion to David reminds us of similar words spoken by the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21. He scorned personal cost and danger, and he cared less about what others might think or do. His heart was set upon David, counting it a great honor to follow Israel's rejected king into exile.

Interestingly, Ittai’s devotion was also highly contagious. Six hundred men followed him from Gath. These men, plus all his little ones, joined him as he put his life on the line. Which of them knew the dangers they embraced by following David? Soon, Ittai would be put in charge of one-third of David’s army as they geared up for the decisive battle with Absalom’s forces.

David’s men, including Ittai, won that battle, but that isn’t the point right now. It is the simple devotion of Ittai whose attraction to David caused him to lay his life at David’s feet in spite of every obstacle. Oh, for more Ittais in the ranks of the army of Christ today!

By Grant Steidl