2 Samuel 15:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David tells Ittai he should not have to wander with him after arriving so recently, and sends him back with a blessing of mercy and truth.
What Does 2 Samuel 15:20 Mean?
David presses the point. Ittai arrived only yesterday; it would be unfair to make him wander up and down in exile when David himself goes he knows not where. He urges Ittai to return with his fellow soldiers, and blesses him with the words, mercy and truth be with thee.
Mercy and truth are paired words that often describe the very character of God, His steadfast love and His faithfulness. David, even in loss, can speak God's blessing over another. The dispossessed king has no kingdom to offer Ittai, yet he can commend him to the God who keeps both mercy and truth. When we have little else to give, we can still invoke the goodness of God upon those we love.
2 Samuel 15:20 in the Original Language
hesed (חֶסֶד), 'mercy' -- steadfast covenant love, here paired with truth in David's blessing over Ittai.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 15:20
What does 2 Samuel 15:20 mean?
David tells Ittai he should not have to wander with him after arriving so recently, and sends him back with a blessing of mercy and truth.