What do you know about Ittai the Gittite? He has a catchy name, and he is found among the many and somewhat obscure characters in the historical books of the Old Testament. When David’s kingdom was threatened by his own son, Absalom, several men of sterling character stepped up to his side. We become acquainted with him in 2 Samuel, a man much to be admired.
He Didn’t Use The Fact He Was A Stranger Or Newcomer To Keep Him From Serving (15:19). He had been with David for all of a day when David and his servants and cohorts fled from Absalom’s pursuit (15:20). If anyone ever had a right to hide behind such an excuse, it was Ittai. He was a foreigner and had only come “yesterday” (15:20). But, his desire to serve was too great !
He Had Untainted Loyalty (15:21). Ittai’s response to David is remarkable. He says, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.” He was a man that would serve wherever his king was, whatever his king wanted, and whatever it cost him.
He Was A Leader Of Grown Men And Children (15:22). David permits Ittai to cross over with him. Such was the influence of Ittai that “he and all his men and all the little ones who were with him crossed over” (22). There was something so fearless about Ittai that influenced them to come with him in the face of uncertainty and danger. Yet, there must have been something so tender about him that caused the little ones to trust him to lead them, too.
He Was Entrusted With Responsibility (18:2). When David organized resistance against his rebellion son, Ittai was given charge of a third of his entire fighting force. A man so recently come, Ittai must have been a clearly visible leader. David recognized how worthy of trust and delegation he was.
Thank God for the heroes, known and obscure, who can motivate us and exemplify for us traits of leadership and discipleship that can help us do great things to the glory of God.
–Neal Pollard