Unexpected Friends

Everyone needs friends who will believe in them and support them.   #daybydaylw   Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!   ~~~   Over the next few chapters we will read of David’s encounters with individuals, as he flees away from Jerusalem, and then as he returns to Jerusalem, and it seems that the author is highlighting the faith of David through these encounters with individuals. The first encounter involves this man named Ittai, who was not a Jew, but rather from Gath, a Philistine. He was in that company of men who had seen the bravery, the boldness, the wisdom of David that we read about towards the end of 1 Samuel, and decides to join David’s forces because he believes in David. So as the household of David is marching past, David sees Ittai, and suggests that he turn around and join forces with Absalom. It may be that David questions the loyalty of Ittai, a philistine. Or it may be that David is testing the loyalty of Ittai. Or even, it may be that David is being gracious to Ittai, telling him that he doesn’t need to get mixed up, so soon, in David’s affairs. And in response, we hear this Ruth-like answer “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, where my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” Ittai, with all his men, and all his children and his men’s children, has pledged his life to David! Why do we have this little episode? I can’t help but think that we are to see that sometimes our greatest encouragement comes from unexpected people. Absalom, the King’s son, has rebelled against him. Ahithophel, the great counselor of David, has abandoned him. Many men of Israel have been led astray by Absalom. But Ittai, a foreigner, has pledged his life to King David. I can’t imagine what this might have done to bolster David’s faith. We all need friends who believe in us, don’t we? And sometimes the most loyal of friends come at the most unexpected time, and do not look like we might have imagined.