In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.”
Parallel translations
- WEB Whereas you came but yesterday, should I today make you go up and down with us, since I go where I may? Return, and take back your brothers. Mercy and truth be with you.”
- KJV 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.
- NKJV In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you.”
- NASB You came only yesterday, so should I make you wander with us today, while I go wherever I go? Return and take your brothers back; mercy and truth be with you.”
- NLT You arrived only recently, and should I force you today to wander with us? I don’t even know where we will go. Go on back and take your kinsmen with you, and may the Lord show you his unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
David tells Ittai to take his men back and wishes him mercy and truth. He releases the newcomer from any obligation to follow.
Overview
David reasons that Ittai, having only just joined him, should not be dragged into uncertain wandering, and he blesses him with "mercy and truth." The king's generosity amid his own distress reveals his character. The covenant words of mercy and truth point ahead to the steadfast love and faithfulness fully embodied in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 14
- 1 Sam 23:13Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.
- 2 Sam 2:6Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
- Heb 11:37–38They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.
- John 1:17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- Amos 8:12People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.
- 2 Tim 1:16–18May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
- Ps 61:7May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.
- Ps 25:10All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
- Ps 89:14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
- Ps 59:15They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
- Ps 57:3He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.
- Prov 14:22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
- Ps 85:10Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
- Ps 56:8You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
God's covenant with David — a son whose throne and kingdom would last forever (7:12–16) — finds its yes in Jesus, the Son of David who reigns without end.
How 2 Samuel 15:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.