Who was Gittite?
The term “Gittite” (Hebrew: גִּתִּי, Gittiy) refers to a person from Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17). In the Bible, Gittites appear in different contexts, but one of the most well-known is Obed–Edom the Gittite, mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10-11. Although “Gittite” typically designates a Philistine origin, in Obed–Edom’s case, the designation raises questions, as he is portrayed in a positive light as one who honored the ark of God and was blessed by the Lord. Thus, some scholars believe Obed–Edom was an Israelite who had lived in Gath, or possibly a Levite whose ancestral residence had been linked to that area.
The name “Gittite” is also used to describe Ittai the Gittite, a loyal follower of David during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:19-22), which reinforces the broader significance of Gittites in the biblical narrative.
Biblical Appearances and Context
Obed-Edom the Gittite
2 Samuel 6:10-11 recounts how David, after Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark of God irreverently, became afraid to bring the ark into Jerusalem. Instead, he redirected it to the house of Obed–Edom the Gittite, where the ark remained for three months. During that time, “the Lord blessed him and his entire household” (2 Samuel 6:11).
Obed–Edom is again mentioned in 1 Chronicles 13:13-14 and later in 1 Chronicles 15:18, 21, and 24, where he is listed among the Levites who minister before the ark. These references strengthen the possibility that he was not a Philistine but a Levite living in Gittite territory or named after the city.
Ittai the Gittite
Another Gittite of importance is Ittai, a commander who joined David and remained faithful to him during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:19-22). Though a foreigner, Ittai’s loyalty to David illustrates God’s inclusion of faithful outsiders into His redemptive purposes.
What Happened in the Bible?
The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God among His people. After Uzzah‘s death for irreverent handling of the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), David, in fear, sought a place to temporarily store it. The ark was entrusted to Obed–Edom the Gittite, who treated it with proper reverence. As a result, his household was richly blessed.
This moment shifted David’s perspective from fear to reverence and encouraged him to bring the ark to Jerusalem with proper procedures and respect, accompanied by sacrifices and worship (2 Samuel 6:12-15).
Significance for Today’s Christians
The account of the Gittite Obed–Edom reminds believers today that reverence for God’s presence brings blessing. Where God is honored, there is spiritual fruit and divine favor. His example teaches that God’s presence is not limited by ethnicity or geography, but is available to all who fear Him and walk in obedience.
Ittai the Gittite’s faithfulness shows that devotion to God‘s anointed king (David) foreshadows loyalty to Christ, the greater King. Even as a foreigner, Ittai exemplified faith, commitment, and courage—qualities the New Testament later praises in Gentile believers.
How Gittites Point to Jesus and the Gospel
The inclusion and honor of Gittites like Obed–Edom and Ittai foreshadow the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of God through Christ. In Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile has been torn down (Ephesians 2:14), and people from every nation are invited to share in the blessings of God‘s presence.
Obed–Edom, a likely outsider or border-dweller, becomes a vessel of God’s blessing through reverence and service. This foreshadows the indwelling presence of God through the Holy Spirit in believers today, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ (John 14:23).
Likewise, Ittai’s loyalty to David, even at personal cost, pictures the discipleship call to follow Jesus regardless of cost (Luke 9:23). These Gittites point us to a broader gospel reality—that God saves and uses the faithful from every tribe and tongue for His purposes.
Broader Biblical Themes
Reverence for God’s Presence
The ark of the covenant was not to be treated casually. The events surrounding Uzzah and Obed–Edom highlight the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with awe and reverence.
God Blesses Those Who Honor Him
Obed–Edom’s story is a testimony that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). The blessings that came to his household were a visible witness of God‘s approval.
Faithfulness of Foreigners
Ittai, like Ruth and Rahab before him, is another example of a foreigner who trusted the God of Israel and was grafted into His people. This theme culminates in the gospel, where all nations are welcomed into the family of God through Christ.
God’s Universal Kingdom
The positive portrayal of Gittites reflects God’s heart for the nations and anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where the gospel is taken to all peoples.
Reflection Questions
- How does Obed–Edom’s reverence for the ark challenge how I regard the presence of God in my life?
- In what ways am I honoring God in my home, and how might that lead to spiritual blessing?
- Like Ittai, am I willing to follow Christ even when the path is uncertain or costly?
- What does the story of the Gittites reveal about God’s plan to include all nations in His redemptive work?
- How do I respond when God’s holiness is on display—like in the judgment of Uzzah and the blessing of Obed–Edom?
The Gittites—though few in mention—leave a lasting impact. They remind us that faith, honor, and loyalty to God and His purposes matter more than origin or background. They serve as models of reverence and allegiance, pointing us to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom welcomes all who believe.