Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s guest author is Barbara M. Britton showcasing her newest book, Defending David, now available for preorder. Barbara will be telling us a bit about the book’s background and she has an sneak peek excerpt of the book. Welcome, Barbara!
King David’s Forgotten Friend
King David is a popular Bible figure. Most Christians know the story about how he slayed a giant named Goliath with only a sling and a few smooth stones. People remember David dancing in the streets with the Ark to the disgust of his wife or falling into sin with Bathsheba. David had family troubles, too—sexual assault and murder were committed by his sons.
Later in his life, King David wasn’t a brash military commander slaying tens of thousands. What type of king was he? One in which his son Absalom believed would forfeit the throne or be killed trying to save it. Absalom rebelled against his father without fear of failure.
But David was still a man after God’s own heart. God did not abandon David. God sent the unlikeliest of friends to David’s doorstep the day before Absalom’s rebellion. Who was this friend? A Philistine giant from Gath—the same place where Goliath was from. This giant Philistine aligned with King David. Did I mention this Philistine arrived with six-hundred Philistine warriors? Most Christians do not know about this faithful friend to King David.
His name is Ittai the Gittite.
Here is what Ittai says to David outside the city walls:
“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.” II Samuel 15:21
Ittai and his warriors go with King David. They follow David when he flees Jerusalem to spare his own life and the lives of his wives and children. Later in Scripture, King David awards Ittai for his faithfulness. (Sorry, no spoilers).
Ittai has been overlooked in Scripture for too long. Recently, I read a book on David’s life and Ittai wasn’t even mentioned. Fear not, Ittai gets his day in the sun on February 25, 2022.
Bringing little-known Bible characters to light is my author tagline and in February the spotlight will be on Ittai the Gittite in “Defending David.”
My theme verse for “Defending David” is Proverbs 18:24:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Ittai was a friend who stuck closer than a brother to King David.
Remember in this Christmas season that we have the best friend and Savior in Jesus Christ.
Defending David
by Barbara M. Britton
When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a rugged Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors. Can Rimona trust this giant foreigner, or will she be betrayed once again?
Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Though having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.
As Rimona and Ittai journey to Jerusalem, an attraction grows between the two orphans looking for a new home. The unlikely pair arrives in Jerusalem on the eve of a revolt against King David. Will the chaos separate them forever, or can a bold woman and a Philistine exile defend an aging king who has slain tens of thousands, but cannot control a rebellious son?
You can pre-order Defending David in eBook or print on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books. Your library can order it, too.
Excerpt, when Ittai and Rimona meet:
Crouching near a tower of rocks and a spindly sapling, Ittai unsheathed his blade. He breathed in cool air untainted with kicked-up camel dust. His eyes overcame the darkness to rest on a form breeching the top of the hill.
Sandal slaps. Wheezing. One fool had made it to the crest. Hamuran would cut off the others.
Nearer and nearer the climber came. Ittai swallowed. The sour taste of bile pulled his jaw tight.
Lord, give me victory.
The man stumbled over a rock and whimpered.
Ittai lunged.
He grabbed the stranger and pulled the thin frame taut to his chest. His knife rested against the flesh of the prowler’s neck.
“Stay silent, or I will send your head thumping to the dirt.”
His captive turned to stone. Trembling stone.
A swell of breast rose and fell beneath Ittai’s arm. No stench of sweat or body odor offended his nose. This quivering climber smelled of scented soap even after a trek up a hill. An abundance of soft curls tickled his chin.
He’d caught a woman.
About the Author:
Barbara M. Britton writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. She is multi-published in Biblical Fiction with Pelican Book Group and also writes Historical Fiction. Barbara is a Carol Award Finalist in the short novel category. She holds a nutrition degree from Baylor University but enjoys dipping healthy strawberries in chocolate.
You can find out more about Barbara’s books on her website, www.barbarambritton.com, or follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or BookBub.
Catherine Castle 
Thank you for having me back on the blog, Catherine. Have a blessed Christmas.
It’s always a pleasure to host you. Good luck with the book.
Barbara, I can’t wait to read this. I have enjoyed all your Biblical fiction novels and know this one will be great. Congratulations.
Thank you, Carol. I had so much fun bringing Ittai to the page. He won’t be forgotten for long. Thanks for joining us.
I’ve enjoyed several of Barbara’s books and can’t wait to read this!
Thanks so much, Gail. I can’t wait to share Ittai with readers. Thanks for being here.
Congratulations on another book, Barbara. A Hittite protagonist sounds so intriguing. Looking forward to reading!
Thank you, Dana. I don’t know why when my husband preached on Ittai the first time that I didn’t pick up on it. I better tell hubby to get some more sermons in the hopper. Thanks for joining us.