The Gittites were a group of Philistine warriors who became allies of King David, most notably led by Ittai the Gittite. Though originally from Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities, the Gittites showed remarkable loyalty to David, following him into exile and serving as part of his personal guard. Their alliance with David is particularly striking because the Philistines were traditionally enemies of Israel.
The Gittites are best remembered for their unwavering commitment to David during Absalom’s rebellion, when Ittai and his men chose to stand by the king despite being foreigners. This act of faithfulness sets them apart in biblical history as an example of loyalty, courage, and divine providence in bringing outsiders into God’s plan.
This essay explores the biblical identity of the Gittites, their geographic origin, cultural practices, religious beliefs, and their role in David’s reign, highlighting their unique position as former enemies who became faithful allies.
Words:1132 / Time to read:6 minutes
Who Were the Gittites?
The term Gittite refers to people from Gath, a prominent Philistine city. While most Philistines were enemies of Israel, some Gittites, including Ittai and his followers, aligned with David and even served in his army.
The most notable reference to the Gittites is found in 2 Samuel 15:19-21, when David, fleeing from Absalom, tried to release Ittai and his men from their obligation. However, Ittai refused to abandon David:
- 2 Samuel 15:19-21 – “The king said to Ittai the Gittite, ‘Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.’ But Ittai replied to the king, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.’”
🔹 Key Takeaways from This Passage:
- The Gittites were Philistine exiles who had joined David’s service.
- Ittai demonstrated remarkable loyalty by choosing to follow David despite the uncertain future.
- Their allegiance was voluntary, showing that they were not forced mercenaries but willing supporters of David’s cause.
This moment cements the Gittites’ reputation as trustworthy and honorable warriors, a rare trait among Philistines in biblical history.
Geographic Location and Cultural Practices
1. Gath: A Philistine Stronghold
- Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, along with Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron.
- It was home to Goliath, Israel’s famous Philistine adversary (1 Samuel 17:4).
- Over time, Gath changed hands between the Philistines and Israelites, influencing its culture.
2. Gittite Migration and Service Under David
- Some Gittites migrated to Israel, particularly under David’s rule.
- Ittai and his men became part of David’s elite forces, showing that they had assimilated into Israelite society to some extent.
Cultural Characteristics of the Gittites
As former Philistines, the Gittites likely had:
- Military training from the structured Philistine armies.
- Advanced weaponry and tactics, influenced by Philistine ironworking.
- A warrior code of honor, seen in their unwavering loyalty to David.
Unlike other Philistines, they rejected their former allegiance and embraced David’s kingship and Israel’s God.
Biblical References to the Gittites
1. Ittai the Gittite’s Loyalty (2 Samuel 15:19-22)
Ittai’s declaration of faithfulness to David is one of the most moving expressions of devotion in Scripture:
- 2 Samuel 15:21 – “Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.”
This level of commitment is comparable to Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, demonstrating that outsiders could find a place in God’s kingdom through devotion and faith.
2. The Gittites in David’s Army (2 Samuel 18:2)
- When David prepared for battle against Absalom, he divided his army into three units under:
- Joab (his general)
- Abishai (Joab’s brother)
- Ittai the Gittite
🔹 Key Takeaway: The fact that Ittai commanded a third of David’s army shows his high rank and trustworthiness.
3. The Gittites as David’s Royal Guard (2 Samuel 15:18)
- The Gittites were part of David’s 600 personal troops, often referred to as the Cherethites, Pelethites, and Gittites.
- Their role as royal guards implies elite status and special loyalty to the king.
Unlike other Philistines who opposed Israel, the Gittites became part of David’s trusted warriors, proving that one’s background does not determine one’s future in God’s plan.
Religious Beliefs and Deities of the Gittites
Initially, as Philistines, the Gittites would have worshiped:
- Dagon (Philistine Chief Deity)
- The Philistine national god, worshiped in temples like the one in Ashdod (Judges 16:23).
- Baal and Asherah (Canaanite Influence)
- Since the Philistines lived near Canaanite lands, they likely adopted Baal and fertility goddess Asherah into their practices.
However, by the time they joined David, the Gittites rejected Philistine gods and instead swore allegiance to David and Yahweh. Their faith in Israel’s God was evident when Ittai swore:
- 2 Samuel 15:21 – “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives…”
This statement shows that Ittai acknowledged Yahweh’s authority, marking a significant spiritual shift away from Philistine idolatry.
Conclusion
The Gittites, led by Ittai, were a group of Philistine warriors who became faithful allies of David, demonstrating that loyalty and faith transcend national and ethnic boundaries. Once from Gath, a city of Israel’s enemies, they became elite soldiers in David’s army, trusted enough to serve as his personal guard and military commanders.
🔹 Key Lessons from the Gittites’ History:
- God welcomes outsiders who choose to follow Him – The Gittites were once Philistine warriors, but their faithfulness to David and Yahweh brought them into a place of honor.
- Loyalty and faith matter more than nationality – Despite being foreigners, the Gittites proved to be more loyal than many Israelites.
- Our past does not define our future – Even though the Gittites came from Israel’s enemies, they found a new identity among God’s people through faith and commitment.
The Gittites’ story is one of redemption, showing that those who pledge themselves to the true King (both David and ultimately Jesus) will find a place in His kingdom.
2 Samuel 15:21
“Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.”
This verse highlights the Gittites’ unwavering devotion to David, symbolizing the kind of loyalty believers should have toward Christ.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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