“Goest thou also with us?”
The full verse · 2 Samuel 15:19 · KJV
Then the to the , Wherefore thou also with us? to thy , and with the : for thou art a , and also an .
Asked by
Asked to
Ittai the Gittite, a recent foreign recruit from Gath who had joined David’s service, possibly one of David’s mercenary commanders.
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionDavid asks rather than commands to honor Ittai’s freedom as a foreigner who owes him no tribal loyalty. The interrogative form acknowledges Ittai’s voluntary service and releases him from any perceived duty during a dangerous crisis.
The Response
What Scripture recordsIttai responded with a solemn oath declaring he would remain with David whether it led to life or death, refusing to abandon the king during his crisis (2 Samuel 15:21).
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyDavid’s question expresses compassionate concern rather than royal command. He asks why Ittai should share the uncertain fate of a fleeing king when he has no blood obligation to do so. The Hebrew construction uses hinnek (behold) with ger (sojourner), emphasizing Ittai’s foreign status as grounds for exemption. David frames this as a question rather than a dismissal to honor Ittai’s dignity and preserve his choice. By releasing the Gittite from duty, David reveals the generosity that inspires deeper loyalty than coercion ever could. The question carries theological weight about covenant relationships, true allegiance flows from love, not legal requirement.
True loyalty isn’t measured by what’s required but by what’s chosen. David gave Ittai permission to leave with honor intact, yet Ittai chose the harder path of costly friendship. When following Christ or standing with His people becomes inconvenient or dangerous, remember that genuine discipleship is voluntary. Jesus releases us from obligation while inviting us into sacrificial love. Like Ittai, we discover that the greatest privileges come not from negotiating the best deal but from choosing faithfulness when we could justly walk away (Ruth 1:16-17, Luke 9:57-62).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
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