שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ״א

A moment of crisis often reveals the true depth of personal loyalty. As the king faces exile, wandering into an unknown and uncertain future, his followers are given the chance to turn back. In response to the king's admission that he is marching without a clear destination, Ittai the Gittite swears an oath to remain by his side forever, expressing profound personal devotion [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He firmly refuses to abandon the king, reasoning that if a monarch and his respected ministers are willing to endure whatever conditions and provisions await them, then certainly his own men, who hold a lower station, will accept the same fate without complaint [אברבנאל].

Beyond mere practical acceptance, this oath highlights the essence of true friendship, which dictates that one never abandons a loved one during times of distress [מלבי״ם]. The journey ahead leads into a dangerous and unpredictable reality where the king's survival is far from guaranteed [מלבי״ם]. Knowing this, Ittai makes a powerful declaration of solidarity, vowing that even if their destination ultimately brings death, he will never leave the king's side [מצודת דוד].