ITTAI. 1. A Gittite leader who, with a following of six hundred Philistines, attached himself to David at the outbreak of Absalom’s rebellion. In spite of being urged by David to return to his home, he determined to follow the king in his misfortune, affirming his faithfulness in the beautiful words: ‘As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will thy servant be’ ( 2 Samuel 15:21 ). He therefore remained in the service of David, and soon rose to a position of great trust, being placed in command of a third part of the people ( 2 Samuel 18:2 ). 2. A Benjamite, son of Ribai, who was one of David’s mighty men ( 2 Samuel 23:29 , 1 Chronicles 11:31 [in the latter Ithai ]).
W. O. E. Oesterley.