Ittai, why are you traveling so fast, I can barely keep up?
We have no time to waste on our trek to Jerusalem. My warriors and I must seek King David and receive a grant of exile in Israel. We cannot return to Philistia, or King Achish will end our lives. We would not bow down to his idols.
You know that they only serve one God in Israel, right?
The One True God. I know of Him because of King David’s teachings. I was a boy when King David found refuge in Ziklag. I heard hhttps://amzn.to/3AkE8GKim speak about his God. That is why I wouldn’t bow down to the King of Philistia or an idol. I was ready to face death, but God spared the lives of me and my men. It would have been an epic battle had the king of Philistia tried to take our lives. Exile was the easiest option.
Life should be easier in Israel for you?
Hah! I saw Prince Absalom in his chariot as I was traveling to Jerusalem. He set my skin to prickling. Why does a son of David need to honor a vow in Hebron when Jerusalem is a fine city with a tabernacle and priests? I think the prince has other things on his mind besides a vow.
I did not like the way the prince looked at Rimona. She is an orphaned young woman, and the prince has a wife. I feel something is brewing.
Brewing, like a stew of camel meat and squash?
No, like a rebellion. King David is not a brash, virile warrior anymore. He has aged as have I. But in my thirties, I am still able to fight a battle. The king, not as much. Time has slowed his steps. The king is sixty years old, maybe older. Can he unsheathe a sword in seconds? I think not. I will lay down my life for David. He took pity on me as a boy and gave me food. My mother and I would have perished without David’s generosity.
It sounds like you are ready to fight for King David?
The six-hundred warriors that I have with me will follow me into battle for David. If Absalom is seeking his father’s throne, then he will not take it by foul means. The Lord has given us safe passage through Israel, and he watches over us even now. Excuse me. I must go straightaway to the king.
Where can you find Ittai the Gittite in Scripture?
His arrival and allegiance to David can be found in II Samuel 15:15-22
Ittai is placed over one-third of the Israelite army. This is a BIG deal. II Samuel 18:2.
The story covers II Samuel, chapters 15-19:8.
“Defending David” book blurb:
When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors.
Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.
Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir’s betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?
Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to present day USA. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. Her novel “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” is a compelling, yet fun story, shining a light on breast cancer. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website www.barbarambritton.com.
You can find “Defending David” wherever books are sold. Libraries can order the book, too.
Novel PASTimes 
Thank you for hosting me on the blog, Cindy. Ittai is one of my favorite Bible heroes.
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We enjoyed having you!
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A really nice post, Barb. I enjoyed this book, and really lives Ittai!
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Thank you, Carol. I’m so glad you enjoyed Ittai’s story. Thanks for joining us.
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