[One-Verse Meditation]

2 Samuel 15:21, ESV

“And Ittai answered the king, ‘As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.’”

(Meditation)

Absalom steals the hearts of the people of Israel. Then he tells his father David that he must go to Hebron in order to fulfill the vow he had made to the Lord. To such a son, David says, “Go in peace,” in effect giving him his blessing. But when Absalom arrives at Hebron, he uses the spies he had sent throughout all the tribes of Israel to proclaim that he has made himself king. It is rebellion against the king, and perversity against his father. After that, more and more people turn to Absalom, and the hearts of the people incline toward him.

By contrast, David and his servants leave the palace to escape the danger of Absalom. There, Ittai the Gittite is also with them. Since he was not an Israelite, David tells him to lead his countrymen and return to his homeland. He tells him not to follow this road of exile, not knowing when he might return again. But Ittai swears by the life of the Lord and by the life of David. He says that whether in death or in life, he will remain with David.

This scene sets two men in contrast: Absalom and Ittai. For no less than four years, Absalom prepares for his own kingship. He says he will keep the vow he made to God, yet all the while he deceives his father David. He uses the name of God for himself. Ittai the Gittite, however, serves David, whom God has established, as king to the very end. In this way he exalts the name of God.

Today’s passage leads us to examine our faith. It makes us ask whether our faith is for gaining what we want, or for the will of God. God’s will is always clear. It is to sing of His glory. It is to delight in Him and rejoice in Him. In every situation and circumstance. Like Ittai the Gittite.

(Prayer)

Lord, search my heart and lead me to worship You alone. Make this a new day in which I walk in true faith. Amen.
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(Daily Meditation)

2 Samuel 15:5–21