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.
Read it in contextDavid Flees Jerusalem
Start reading at 2 Samuel 15:13 (2 Samuel 15:13 to 2 Samuel 15:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
15:13And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
15:14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15:15And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
15:16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
15:17And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
15:18And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
15:19Then 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.
15:20Whereas 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.
15:21And 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.
15:22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
15:23And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
15:24And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
15:25And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
15:26But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
15:27The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
15:28See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
15:29Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 15:1–18:33): Absalom, David, their respective supporters, and David's household are involved in the rebellion and civil war. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? David Flees Jerusalem. Read 2 Samuel 15:13 through 2 Samuel 15:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in David Flees Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13 to 2 Samuel 15:29).
Start reading at 2 Samuel 15:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 15:13, 2 Samuel 15:29, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad. 1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 15
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.