Whereas 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.
2 SAMUEL 15:20KJVWhat does 2 Samuel 15:20 mean?
2 Samuel 15:20 shows David telling Ittai the Gittite that, since Ittai had only just arrived (“camest but yesterday”), David does not expect him to follow along in his uncertain journey. David urges Ittai to return with his people, blessing him with “mercy and truth.”
David is speaking during his flight from Jerusalem as his son Absalom rebels. Ittai, a foreigner and recent arrival, has shown loyalty to David. David recognizes Ittai’s newness and the hardship ahead, so he gives Ittai permission to leave rather than demand loyalty. The verse highlights David’s fairness and kindness, even in crisis.
The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:20
- “Mercy” is חֶסֶד (chesed), which often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. David’s blessing is not just a polite farewell but a deep wish for God’s faithful love to go with Ittai.
- “Truth” is אֱמֶת (emet), meaning faithfulness or reliability. David’s blessing pairs God’s loyal love with trustworthiness, emphasizing a full, trustworthy blessing for Ittai’s future.
Why 2 Samuel 15:20 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that David forced loyalty from newcomers; instead, he respects Ittai’s freedom and situation.
- The blessing of “mercy and truth” is significant, echoing key themes of God’s character in the Hebrew Bible and showing David’s spiritual concern for Ittai.
- The verse sets up Ittai’s later choice to stay with David, making his loyalty even more meaningful in the story.